Linn-Mar school board member Gadelha to challenge Mathis

CEDAR RAPIDS - Rene Gadelha, a member of the Linn-Mar school board and Marion Planning and Zoning Commission, has announced she will challenge Sen. Liz Mathis, D-Cedar Rapids, in 2016.

Gadelha, managing editor for small science curriculum company, will run as a Republican in Senate 34, which includes the cities of Marion, Robins, Hiawatha, Ely, and Bertram.

Mathis was elected in a special election in 2011 and to a full four-year term the following year. She works for a child welfare and behavioral health agency that helps troubled kids and their families.

In her announcement Wednesday, Gadelha, said she's running 'because I have spent a good deal of my life in service, and as an educator and a mother, learning how we can provide a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

'During my time as an English teacher, I helped my students achieve their full potential and strive to reach their goals,” said Gadelha, who taught at the high school and college level. She also worked as a freelance writer and editor of editing educational materials for several publishing companies. 'I will fight for all of Iowa's students and schools, and will work tirelessly to make Iowa again, number one in the nation in education.”

She's planning a fundraiser with GOP presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina and Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds at 7 p.m. Sept. 25. For further info, email reneforiowasenate@gmail.com.

Gadelha and her husband, Edward, have two daughters.

Since moving to Marion from New Jersey, where she also served on a planning and zoning commission, Gadelha has initiated the 'Adopt-A-Spot” program to assist with keeping parks clean, served on a Blue Zones committee promoting healthier lifestyles, coached her daughters' sports teams.

Democrats have a 26-24 majority in the Senate, so all challenges to incumbents are likely generate hard-fought, costly campaigns. Senate 34 has been a competitive district. It encompasses two Iowa House seats, both held by Republicans.

Neither Gadelha nor Mathis could be reached for comment.