Republican Jon Dunwell defeats Brad Magg for Iowa House District 38

Republican incumbent Jon Dunwell defeated Democratic challenger Brad Magg in the race for Iowa House District 38.

Dunwell, 58, received 55% of the vote. Magg, a 38-year-old rural entrepreneur, had 44%, according to the Associated Press.

Dunwell, pastor at Gateway Church Monroe, said in a Des Moines Register candidate survey that he supports the state's move to a 3.8% flat income tax, signed into law this year, and added that lawmakers should look next at reducing Iowans' property tax burden.

Iowa needs to continue providing school choice to parents and give local districts greater flexibility in how they spend money to meet their district needs, said Dunnwell, also an outreach and engagement director at the Family Leader, a conservative Christian organization.

In addition, the Newton resident said, rural schools need greater innovation and flexibility to meet enrollment changes, adding, "We need to do something more than increase their spending and/or combine districts and close schools."

Dunwell, who received a bachelor's degree in pastoral studies and evangelism, said the state needs to "continue to pursue policies that value life — the life of the unborn and the life of mother. There is no argument as to when life begins. We merely are arguing when it should be valued and protected."

The district encompasses Newton, Colfax and most of the rest of Jasper County.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Donnelle Eller covers agriculture, the environment and energy for the Register. Reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: GOP incumbent Jon Dunwell wins Iowa House District 38 race