MORNING SUN, Iowa – State Rep. David Kerr, R-Morning Sun, announced on Tuesday his plan to retire from the Iowa House after serving out his current term through 2022. Kerr is the current representative of Iowa House District 88 and under the recently confirmed redistricting maps now resides in Iowa House District 95.
“It’s been a privilege to represent my constituents in the Iowa House,” said Kerr. “I’m proud of all that we’ve accomplished for the state of Iowa in my time in the Statehouse. After three terms, I am ready to step down and let a new representative take the helm. I will continue to stay involved and serve my community in various ways.”
Kerr, 73, is a retired farmer and worker at Kinder Morgan Inc. In the Iowa House, he serves as Chair of the Education budget subcommittee in addition to his roles on the Public Safety, Education, Local Government and Appropriations committees. He was first elected to the Iowa House in 2016.
Iowa House District 88 includes all of Louisa County and the majority of Des Moines County. It also includes the North and Western part of Muscatine County. Iowa House District 95 also includes all of Louisa County, Des Moines County minus Burlington and Danville, most of western Muscatine County, and the north and east parts of Henry County.
In his retirement, Kerr will spend more time with his family.
State Rep. Mark Cisneros, R-Muscatine, was also drawn into the district, but he announced in November his family would move and he would seek re-election in the newly drawn, neighboring Iowa House District 96.
State Rep. Dennis Cohoon, D-Burlington, currently is the only incumbent who could run in the district in 2022, but The Iowa Torch is not aware of an announcement yet.
A Republican has already thrown his hat in the ring following Kerr’s announcement.
Taylor Collins of Mediapolis said he would seek the Republican nomination.
“There’s often too much noise in Des Moines and not enough results. I’m running for this seat to bring common-sense solutions to the table and be a strong, conservative voice for Southeast Iowa,” he said. “I look forward to talking with folks in the district about the issues they’re facing and earning their votes along the way.”
“I want to thank Rep. Kerr for his many years of service to our state, and wish him and Joyce all the best in his retirement,” said Collins. “At the Capitol, Dave is known to be an effective advocate for Southeast Iowa. He leaves big shoes to fill, but I will work as hard as I can to continue to ensure the people of Southeast Iowa remain well represented.”
Collins previously served as a Policy Advisor to Gov. Kim Reynolds and later Senior Advisor to Lt. Governor Adam Gregg. As a Policy Advisor, he served as a liaison to four state agencies under the purview of the executive branch. Collins also worked with the Lt. Governor on rural development policy through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative and helped craft policy recommendations through the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. Collins served in the Governor’s Office during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, aiding in the state’s response.
He is currently an Adjunct Professor at Iowa Wesleyan University where he teaches classes in economics and business. Taylor has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Iowa State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Drake University. Collins also serves as chair of the Southeast Iowa Young Republicans chapter, and attends Harmony Bible Church in Danville with his fiancé, Savannah.
