David Dawson

Dave Dawson grew up in Washta, Iowa, and spent his college summers working at his parents' agricultural business.¹ He and his wife, Liza, have three children and make their home in Lawton, in Woodbury County.² He graduated as valedictorian of Willow Community High School in Quimby.³

Dawson earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and psychology at Iowa State University and a law degree at UCLA.³ He worked at a Chicago law firm for three years before returning to Iowa.¹ In Sioux City, he ran his own law office for more than five years.⁴ His work as a Woodbury County prosecutor has included specializing in child abuse cases.¹ His community roles have included service on the boards of the Community Action Agency of Siouxland and New Perspectives.³

He won Iowa House elections in 2012 and 2014, serving two terms.² His legislative assignments included the Judiciary, Ethics and Human Resources committees.³ In his candidate questionnaire, he also describes past church service and more than two decades of AFSCME union membership.¹

His congressional platform calls for lower prescription costs, expanded rural health care, medical research, keeping hospitals and nursing homes open, and access to mental health services.¹ He also supports broadband and infrastructure investment, stronger family farms, more affordable housing and action against corporate monopolies affecting farmers and small businesses.¹ He faces Republican Chris McGowan in Iowa's 4th Congressional District in 2026.⁵