David Young

David Young is an American politician affiliated with the Republican Party, who served as the U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district from 2015 until 2019. He was born on May 11, 1968, in Des Moines, Iowa, and is a resident of Van Meter, a suburb of Des Moines. Following his tenure in the U.S. House, Young returned to public service as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives, where he represents the 28th district, having been elected in 2022.

Early life and career

David Young was raised in Van Meter, Iowa, where he developed an early interest in public service and politics. He pursued higher education at Drake University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. This educational background laid the foundation for his future career in politics and public administration.

Young's professional journey began in the political arena when he worked as a legislative assistant for Colorado Senator Hank Brown from 1993 to 1996. This role provided him with valuable insights into the legislative process and the workings of Congress. He then served as the chief of staff for Kentucky Senator Jim Bunning from 1998 to 2006, further enhancing his experience in legislative affairs. Following his time with Bunning, Young returned to Iowa to work as the chief of staff for Senator Chuck Grassley from 2006 until 2013. These positions allowed him to build a strong network and gain a comprehensive understanding of both state and national politics.

House tenure

David Young's political career took a significant turn when he decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. He sought the Republican nomination for Iowa's 3rd congressional district in 2014. The nomination process was notable as it was decided by a convention due to none of the candidates achieving the required threshold of 35 percent of the vote in the primary. Young emerged victorious in a competitive convention, winning the nomination on the fifth ballot. He subsequently faced Democrat Staci Appel in the general election, where he secured victory with approximately 53 percent of the vote.

In 2016, Young ran for re-election and successfully defeated Joe Grandanette in the Republican primary. He then went on to win the general election against Democrat Jim Mowrer, receiving around 54 percent of the vote. However, Young's tenure in the House came to an end in 2018 when he lost his bid for re-election to Democrat Cindy Axne. In a closely contested race, Axne garnered about 49 percent of the vote compared to Young's 47.5 percent, with third-party candidates accounting for the remainder.

Following his time in Congress, Young attempted to reclaim his seat in the 2020 election but was again defeated by Axne, receiving approximately 48 percent of the vote. Despite these setbacks, Young remained active in Iowa politics and returned to public service by winning a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives in 2022.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House, David Young was a member of several key committees, including the Committee on Appropriations, which is responsible for determining the allocation of federal funds. Within this committee, he served on various subcommittees, including those focused on agriculture, rural development, food and drug administration, homeland security, and transportation, housing, and urban development. His involvement in these committees allowed him to influence a wide range of legislative issues affecting his constituents and the nation.

Young's legislative priorities included a focus on affordable housing, veterans' issues, health care reform, and tax policy. In April 2015, he participated in an announcement regarding over $530,000 in affordable housing grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, which aimed to assist residents with essential home repairs. This initiative highlighted his commitment to addressing housing challenges in his district.

Young was also an advocate for veterans, sponsoring the "No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act" in 2016, which aimed to reduce veteran suicides. This legislation received unanimous support in the House, reflecting a bipartisan commitment to addressing the mental health crisis among veterans.

In terms of health care, Young's record was mixed. He voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) in 2015 and supported subsequent efforts to dismantle the law. However, he also recognized the need for a thoughtful approach to health care reform, advocating for accessible and affordable quality health care for all Americans. His support for an amendment aimed at assisting individuals with preexisting conditions demonstrated his awareness of the complexities surrounding health care policy.

Young was a proponent of tax reform and voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, reflecting his belief in the importance of economic growth and fiscal responsibility.

In summary, David Young's political career has been marked by a commitment to public service, with a focus on legislative issues that impact his constituents and the broader community. His experiences in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Iowa House of Representatives illustrate his ongoing engagement in the political landscape of Iowa and the nation.