Dunwell named one of four assistant majority leaders

Iowa House Rep. Jon Dunwell, R-Newton, was one of four legislators on Dec. 5 elected to serve as assistant majority leader for the 2023 legislative session.

House Republicans held elections last week to fill out the caucus’ leadership team before the 90th Iowa General Assembly convenes on Jan. 9, 2023.

Dunwell, who represents Iowa House District 38, was selected alongside Rep.-elect Craig Johnson of Independence, Rep. Brent Siegrist of Council Bluffs and Rep.-elect David Young of Van Meter. Iowa House Speaker Rep. Pat Grassley spoke highly of the individuals in a press release.

“I am thrilled to have these four legislators round out the Iowa House Republicans’ leadership team,” Grassley said. “These four, with their variety of legislative, personal and professional experience, will do a great job moving our caucus forward along a common-sense agenda to better the lives of Iowans.”

Dunwell told Newton News that assistant majority leaders will meet every Monday with House leadership to let the speaker and majority leader know what is coming down the road and the subjects they will be talking about. Dunwell then oversees a quadrant of people to communicate these issues and more.

In essence, the assistant majority leaders are a conduit and a connection between leadership and the caucus, and vice versa.

“Here’s what’s on the agenda coming down the road. Here’s where we need some feedback. And, as well, what are you hearing out in your districts? Then we report that back to leadership,” Dunwell said. “So there’s three things I do: communication, connection and relationships.”

Dunwell is looking forward to the extra responsibility that comes with the new role. The representative of Jasper County is also on six committees: judiciary, transportation, local governments/state government, international relations and environmental protection.

“I’m excited to get into session,” Dunwell said. “I really am.”

House Democrats elected the following legislators as assistant minority leaders: Rep. Sue Cahill of Marshalltown, Rep. Heather Matson of Ankeny, Rep. Amy Nielsen of North Liberty and Rep. Sharon Steckman of Mason City.