Williamsburg Democrat challenges incumbent

DES MOINES - Social worker Jacob Tornholm of Williamsburg has filed to run in Iowa House 76, which includes all of Poweshiek County and most of Iowa County.

A Democrat, he will challenge incumbent Rep. Dave Maxwell, R-Gibson.

Tornholm, 38, a child protection social worker, said he is running to increase funding for schools.

'If we continue to allow our schools to be underfunded, we will be limiting the educational opportunity for our children,” he said. 'When we underfund education, we undermine our state's economy and the ability of Iowa families to get ahead.”

In addition to social work, Tornholm is a member of the grass-roots organization Iowa County Farmers and Neighbors, the Williamsburg Kiwanis and the Iowa Alliance for Responsible Agriculture. He also serves on the Williamsburg Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Tornholm has a degree in psychology from the University of Iowa.

He and his wife, Erin, have two children.