Meet the 22-year-old candidate eyeing history in key swing state as Gen Z embraces conservatism: 'Step up'

22‑Year‑Old Iowa House Candidate Aims to Bring Fresh Energy and Lower Taxes to Scott County

A young Iowa Democrat has announced that he will run for the state House seat representing the 81st District, a swing district in Scott County that has long been a battleground for both parties. Dillon Fillion, 22, is the youngest person in the county’s history to file for public office.

Fillion, who is currently taking a gap year from a criminal‑justice program at Scott Community College, says he plans to balance a full‑time job as a Domino’s pizza delivery driver with campaigning for the seat. “Basically, I do a full‑time job as well as campaigning,” he told Fox News Digital.

A “Fresh New Face” for a Generation of Voters

In a statement to the news outlet, Fillion noted that voters are looking for younger candidates. “I think people are very excited that a young person is running because they see a lot of these old people running for office, no offense to them, but people wanna see some fresh new faces and I think it's time for my generation to step up,” he said.

He sees his candidacy as a way to attract Gen Z voters to the polls and to highlight what he calls “conservative principles” that he believes resonate with young men. “The men in my generation are really conservative. They admire conservative principles. I think Charlie Kirk really helped with the young men in my generation in regard to finding a purpose in life,” Fillion added.

The campaign slogan, “Keep Iowa Great,” and a series of campaign signs and merchandise are being displayed around the district.

From Hockey to Politics

Fillion grew up in a Christian family that emphasized hard work and perseverance. While he had originally dreamed of playing professional hockey, he shifted his focus to politics in 2019 after watching Democrats criticize President Donald Trump over alleged collusion with Russia. “I just couldn't stand back and just watch all this stuff happen, and I decided to get involved,” he said.

He also cited the influence of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a catalyst for his political engagement. “I do think my generation is going in the right direction in regard to conservatism. It's just, I think my generation needs to turn out more in our elections,” Fillion said.

Policy Priorities

Fillion has outlined several key issues he intends to pursue if elected:

• Property taxes – He wants to eliminate them entirely or, at the very least, reduce them substantially. “I want to keep Iowa number one in affordability,” he told the outlet.
• Police funding – He plans to introduce a constitutional amendment for a “Back the Blue Act” that would protect law‑enforcement officers and provide additional resources for them. “When I get into that legislature, I will be introducing a constitutional amendment for the Back the Blue Act to make sure our police are protected so they can do their job correctly,” he said.
• Education – Fillion stresses that parents should be at the center of their children’s schooling. “I will continue to empower parents and teachers in our kids' education, because parents should be the forefront of your kids' education, not the government,” he explained.

He also aims to make Iowa “the number one state to live, work, and raise a family.”

Opponent and Endorsements

The incumbent in the seat is Democratic state Representative Daniel Gosa. Fillion said that Gosa does not stand up for the issues that the district cares about and believes his own platform better reflects the community’s needs.

The campaign lists several high‑profile endorsements, including Florida Senator Rick Scott and Iowa House Majority Leader Bobby Kaufmann.

The Road Ahead

With the November elections approaching, Fillion’s campaign is focused on spreading optimism among younger voters and demonstrating that his generation is eager to shape the future. “I just want our country to know that there are people in my generation that are doing everything they can to try and save this country,” he said.

Whether or not the 81st District will swing in his favor remains to be seen, but the candidate’s youthful energy and clear policy agenda mark a notable entry into Iowa’s state‑house race.