Senator Dan Dawson

Dan Dawson, born in 1978, is a prominent figure in the Iowa State Senate. He represents the 10th District and is a member of the Republican Party. His political journey in the Iowa Senate began when he was elected in 2016.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Dawson is the third generation of his family to reside and work in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He and his wife, Chrystal, are proud parents of two children: Alex and Madelyn. Dawson is an alumnus of Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration.

Before his political career, Dawson served in the United States Army, with deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, and twice to Afghanistan. His dedication to service extends beyond his military career. He is currently a special agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, where he works in the Major Crimes Unit.

In the Iowa Senate, Dawson has been an active participant in various committees. As of February 2021, he serves as the Chair of the Ways & Means committee. He also serves on the Judiciary, State Government, and Veterans Affairs committees. Additionally, he is a member of the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitals Appropriations Subcommittee, the Criminal Justice Information System Advisory Committee, and the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision State Council.

Dawson’s electoral history is also noteworthy. In the Iowa Senate 8th District election in 2016, he secured 54.08% of the votes, marking a significant gain for the Republican Party from the Democratic Party.

Outside of his professional life, Dawson is a member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church of Council Bluffs, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. His commitment to his community and his country is evident in his extensive service record.