Iowa House Reps. Kniff McCulla and Dunwell submit re-election papers

Both of the Republican lawmakers representing Jasper County in the Iowa House — Rep. Jon Dunwell of District 38 and Barb Kniff McCulla of District 37 — announced in press releases this past week that they have filed for re-election. Dunwell was first elected in 2021; Kniff McCulla joined the House in 2022.

In a March 8 press release, Dunwell said it has been a great honor to represent his constituents in Iowa House District 38, which covers most of the northern half of Jasper County, including Newton, Baxter, Colfax, Lynnville, Mingo and Sully. Dunwell is also assistant majority leader of the Iowa House.

“Since I was first elected I have strived to be a representative that listens to the people of my district and acts as their voice in the statehouse,” Dunwell said. “I have had the honor of working on many important issues to move our state forward and I look forward to the opportunity to ask the voters for another term.”

After winning a special election in 2021 to fill the seat of Rep. Wes Breckenridge, who resigned a year before his term ended, Dunwell reclaimed his spot in the statehouse in 2022. Prior to his work in the statehouse, Dunwell served as vice president of two financial services companies.

Dunwell is also a licensed and ordained pastor with the Christian & Missionary Alliance, a certified speaker, trainer and coach. In the statehouse, Dunwell serves on the Local Government, State Government, Transportation, Judiciary, Environmental Protection and International Relations committees.

Currently, Dunwell lives in Newton with his wife Christie; they have two sons, Addison and Bryce.

Speaker of the Iowa House Pat Grassley said he appreciates Dunwell’s hard work to represent his district well. No one works harder, he said.

“He is known for being extremely engaged with his community members, always seeking feedback from his constituents and always voting how he believes is best for his district,” Grassley said. “I look forward to continuing to work with him in the Iowa House.”

In a March 7 press release, Kniff McCulla also said it has been an honor serving her constituents. Iowa House District 37 covers portions of Jasper, Mahaska and Marion Counties. Kniff McCulla is seeking her second term in office after winning her first election two years ago and ousting incumbent Jon Thorup in the primary.

“I am honored to serve as representative for House District 37,” Kniff McCulla said. “Since I was first elected, we have progressed on key issues that I am passionate about: issues such as protecting life, defending freedoms, and working to improve our small business climate in Iowa.”

Kniff McCulla is the owner of KLK Construction, which celebrates 45 years of business this week. She has served on numerous community boards and recently held the position of Commissioner of the Iowa Telecommunications and Technology Commission.

In the statehouse, Kniff McCulla is the vice-chair of the Ways and Means Committee and also is a member of the Commerce, Economy Growth and Technology, Health and Human Services and Labor and Workforce committees.