Collis and Hewitt to Compete in November 2026 Election
The candidates will face off to represent the Waterloo area in the Iowa House District 61 seat this November.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Elections
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Democrat Vincent Collis and independent candidate Lucas Hewitt will vie for the Iowa House District 61 seat in the November 2026 general election. This contest follows Representative Timi Brown-Powers decision to pursue a seat in the state Senate.
Why it matters
The outcome of this race will determine representation for a portion of Waterloo in the state legislature, as the district seat remains vacant. Voters will select a representative to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Timi Brown-Powers.
The Iowa House of Representatives is comprised of 100 members, with District 61 covering a portion of Waterloo. The state previously reported $151 million in data center tax break costs in 2020.
The players
Vincent Collis
He is a Democratic candidate for the Iowa House District 61 seat who manages a family farm.
Lucas Hewitt
He is a 35-year-old independent candidate who worked as a precinct official in Black Hawk County.
Timi Brown-Powers
She is the outgoing state representative who is currently seeking a position in the Iowa state Senate.
Jerome Amos Jr.
He is a political figure who has issued an endorsement for the campaign of Vincent Collis.
The details
Vincent Collis operates a family farm that supplies the Waterloo Farmers Market and has secured endorsements from Timi Brown-Powers and Jerome Amos Jr. Lucas Hewitt, 35, served as a precinct election official during the June 2 primary in Black Hawk County.
Timeline
Iowa recorded $151 million in data center tax breaks in 2020.
The primary election for the seat took place on June 2, 2026.
The general election for the Iowa House District 61 seat is set for November 2026.
Political Context
The candidates must reconcile their legislative priorities with the state's established fiscal commitments, such as the Iowa data center tax break program. This race marks a departure from established partisan trends as voters choose between a Democrat and an independent candidate.
The legislative representative chosen in November will directly influence how state tax revenue and economic policies affect the Waterloo community. Residents will see this decision translate into future regulatory and financial shifts at the state level.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific fiscal and economic platforms of both candidates to understand how their votes will impact local legislative representation. Understanding the candidates records on tax policy and regional economic development is key to preparing for the general election.
Further reading
For more background on regional races, visit the Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Courier.
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