(Ocheyedan)– Citing an acute illness, State Senator David Johnson of Ocheyedan tells KUOO news he has withdrawn his candidacy for Senate Minority Leader.
Mary Lundby of Marion currently holds that position. She is stepping down. An election will be held among Senate Republicans to fill the seat September 14th.
Johnson says he was receiving support from a number of Senate colleagues and constituents prior to falling ill August 21st.
Johnson has served in the Senate since 2002.
A former chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Johnson is currently ranking member of that panel as well as ranking Senate member of the Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee. He is also serving on an interim study committee assigned to make recommendations to the Legislature on sustainable funding for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Johnson also serves on the Iowa Commission of Elder Affairs.
