By The Iowa Statesman
Republicans in Iowa House District 5 selected Dr. Charles Holz as their nominee in the upcoming special election to replace state Rep. Chuck Soderberg (R-Le Mars) in the heavily Republican district.
Plymouth County GOP chair Don Kass was elected to preside over the nominating convention. HD 5 encompasses most of Plymouth County and rural parts of Woodbury County. Holz, a retired Le Mars veterinarian, defeated rural Woodbury County small business owner and homeschool parent Brad Hopp on the first ballot.
Holz was born in Grand Junction. After receiving a degree in veterinary medicine at Iowa State University he relocated to Le Mars and practiced for over 30 years. He said his experience working in Agricultural as a veterinarian and producer gave him a great perspective to serve the district in Des Moines.
Soderberg resigned his seat to begin working for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives which required him to move from Le Mars to Des Moines. No Democrat candidate has emerged and Dr. Holz may be unopposed on the November ballot. The special election will take place in conjunction with the municipal elections in November.
HD 5 is home to 3,819 active registered Democrats, 9,015 Republicans, and 6,697 no-party voters.
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