State Representative District 38 in Iowa State House District 38, Iowa

2026 Primary Election

• Matthew Oleson — Teacher in Grinnell, IA

  Matthew Oleson, 53, is a Republican candidate for Iowa House District 38. An Iowan for over 30 years, he lives in Grinnell, teaches at Newton's Berg Middle School, and serves as a pastor. A father of seven, he holds a Master's degree. Oleson is running to be a principled voice for Jasper County, with a top priority to strengthen Iowa's education system by cutting bureaucracy and directing resources to students and teachers, supporting school choice. As a Christian, he champions protecting children with age-appropriate materials and parental values. His platform also includes safeguarding "Iowa Values" like life, liberty, and civil rights, lowering the cost of living, and cutting wasteful government spending.

• Brad Magg — Small business owner and city councilman in Colfax, IA

  Brad Magg, a 39-year-old Democrat, is seeking election to the Iowa House District 38 in 2026, following a previous campaign in 2024. A Colfax city councilman and local business owner, he owns Goldie's Ice Cream Shoppe and Spring City Pharmacy. Magg, who has an associate's degree in culinary arts, is motivated to restore Iowa's amenities, focusing on education, healthcare, and affordability. He has voiced frustration with current property tax reform and public education policies, advocating for improvements in healthcare, especially in rural areas.