DES MOINES, Iowa – Colman Silbernagel of Vinton announced Tuesday he will seek election in the newly formed Iowa Senate District 42. The district covers most of Benton County and the rural areas of Linn County, including communities such as Central City, Bertram, Vinton, Ely, Fairfax, Belle Plaine, Mount Vernon and Van Horne.
“We are fortunate to have great leadership in Iowa,” Silbernagel said. “I am running for Senate to continue the historic investments we’ve made in Iowa’s students, to support parents’ involvement in their children’s education, and to ensure we’re taking care of our state’s veterans.”
Colman was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army through the Saint John’s University ROTC program. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 as a route clearance platoon leader, where he led patrols searching for improved explosive devices (IEDs). He completed his military service in 2019 as a Captain and now works as a data analyst for a company that bridges the gaps in VA healthcare. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from Saint John’s University.
Colman is active in the Vinton Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, Saint Mary’s Parish Council, and is the chair of the Benton County Republicans.
He has been married to his wife Erica for nearly 10 years. They have two young boys.
The district is an open seat after redistricting, but Silbernagel’s entry into the race makes for a three-way contested primary. First term State Rep. Charlie McClintock, R-Alburnett, announced he will run for that seat in November. Justin Wasson, chair of the Linn County Republican Party, announced his campaign in January. The Republican primary will be held on June 7, 2022.
