Democratic incumbent Rep. Heather Matson keeps seat in Ankeny's Iowa House District 42

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Heather Matson was reelected to serve Iowa House District 42 in southern Ankeny for a second term.

Matson, 48, who is self-employed, won a close race with 50.4% of the vote against Republican challenger Heather Stephenson, who got 49.6%, according to unofficial results.

Matson secured her seat Iowa House in 2022 after beating then-incumbent Republican Garrett Gobble by 23 votes.

Matson told the Des Moines Register in a candidate questionnaire that tax policy and funding public schools are her top issues. She said every Iowan should pay their fair share for facilities, like schools and public safety.

"A fair tax system prioritizes economic security and opportunity for all Iowans, not more giveaways for big corporations and the wealthiest few," she said.

More: Meet the candidates running for Iowa House District 42 in Ankeny

She said underfunding Iowa’s public schools has hurt the state's education system and made it harder for teachers to do their jobs.

“We need to invest in our kids with funding that meets the needs of districts so everyone can thrive,” she said. “I was proud to vote for a pay increase for teachers and paraprofessionals, but that can only be the first step for the Legislature in rebuilding trust and morale.”

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Sabine Martin covers politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (515) 284-8132. Follow her on X at @sabinefmartin. 

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Rep. Heather Matson wins second term in Ankeny's House District 42