In a recent update from Iowa’s Sixth District Senator, Craig Williams, he announced he would not be issuing any challenges that arose from the redistricting process. In the notice, Williams announced that, unless something changes, 2022 will likely be his last year in the Senate. He says the first redistricting map delivered by the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency had increased the 4th Congressional district from 39 to 44 counties and cut diagonally across the state, while the senate district was close to a figure eight in shape with population variances between districts. That map was rejected along party lines. Williams writes the second map addressed those issues, with the 4th District down to 36 counties and elimination of the figure eight, but there were still problems. The timing, however, made it difficult for legislators to dispute it. A third map could have been requested under law, but it would have to be completed and voted on prior to Dec. 1. There was concern this might not get done, so the second was voted on and approved in the Senate, 44 to 1. Williams says neither map did him any favors. He was aware that redistricting would take place when he ran for office, but he did not anticipate such a drastic change. The new District 6 will eliminate Buena Vista and Sac Counties while adding Ida, the remainder of Crawford, all of Shelby and a portion of Pottawattamie to Carroll and Audubon. “To retain my seat in the Senate, I would have to primary Senator Jason Schultz, an excellent senator, and win another general election two years into my four-year term,” Williams says. “As much as I would like to retain the seat and represent the people of the new district, the numbers are not in my favor.” Williams also has no intention of challenging House Representative, Brian Best, who has already confirmed he will seek re-election. However, he adds, he will be waiting in the wings and if there are any changes with these legislators’ plans, he will be ready to serve. Carroll Broadcasting has reached out to Williams for comment and will bring you more from him in an upcoming newscast.
