Iowa 4th District: Former State Rep. Dave Dawson wins Democratic primary

Former state Rep. Dave Dawson won the Democratic nomination for Iowa’s open 4th Congressional District seat Tuesday, the Associated Press has projected.

Dawson, the only primary candidate in the 4th Congressional District to ever hold public office, defeated Ashley WolfTornabane, a stay-at-home mother who previously worked in education and Stephanie Steiner, a retired women’s healthcare nurse.

Dawson had 39.1% of the vote in unofficial results, to 30.5% for Steiner and 30.4% for WolfTornabane.

Dawson raised more than $34,000 according to recent Federal Election Commission reports, significantly outraising his two Democratic opponents.

Dawson’s victory sets up a 2026 election matchup with Republican Chris McGowan, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president, who ran unopposed in his party after President Donald Trump endorsed him ahead of the June 2 primary.

The district, which covers a significant portion of northwest Iowa, including Ames, Sioux City and Council Bluffs, has been a Republican stronghold since its 2010 creation, and is currently held by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who is not seeking another term due to his bid for Iowa governor.

Prior to the June 2 primary, Dawson had received endorsements from prominent regional Democrats, including state Rep. J.D. Scholten, D-Sioux City, who came within 3% of winning the 4th Congressional District in 2018, and state Sen. Catelin Dray, who broke the Republican supermajority in the state Senate in a 2025 special election victory.

Dawson, in a previous statement to Iowa Capital Dispatch, said “I will fight to lower prescription drug costs, expand rural healthcare access, and invest in medical research. I will work to keep rural hospitals and nursing homes open and ensure mental health services are available close to home,” adding that he “will push for policies that increase wages, support working families, and crack down on corporate monopolies that hurt farmers, small business owners, and consumers.” 

Dawson’s opponent, McGowan, said he pledges to “stand with President Trump and put America first,” according to his website.

McGowan’s website also emphasizes a heavy focus on agriculture, saying that “Agriculture and small business are the backbone of our national economy. Iowans raise the food, manufacture the products, generate the energy and instill the work ethic that makes America great. I’m running to ensure that Washington never forgets it.”