Dillon Fillion, a 22-year-old criminal justice student and Domino's delivery driver, is running for the Iowa House District 81 seat, aiming to become the youngest candidate ever to seek office in Scott County. Fillion, who took a gap year from Scott Community College to campaign, is challenging incumbent Democratic State Representative Daniel Gosa in a district viewed as a key swing area ahead of the November election.
Fillion described his political awakening as stemming from 2019, when he perceived Democratic criticism of President Donald Trump as unfair. He stated that he went down a 'rabbit hole' researching what he described as corruption within the Democratic Party, which he found 'baffling and shocking.'
The 22-year-old candidate emphasizes his work ethic, noting that he currently juggles 'two full-time jobs' by working at Domino's while campaigning. He stated, 'I think people are very excited that a young person is running because they see a lot of these old people running for office... I think it's time for my generation to step up.'
What the Right Is Saying
Republican leaders and conservative commentators have highlighted Fillion’s candidacy as evidence of a generational shift within the GOP. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Iowa House Majority Leader Bobby Kaufmann (R-IA) have endorsed Fillion, citing his commitment to 'Keep Iowa Great' and his focus on affordability.
Fillion himself credited conservative commentator Charlie Kirk with helping young men find purpose, stating, 'The men in my generation are really conservative... I do think my generation is going in the right direction in regard to conservatism.' The Right views Fillion's platform of eliminating property taxes and passing a 'Back the Blue' constitutional amendment as necessary reforms to empower parents and protect law enforcement.
What the Left Is Saying
The Democratic perspective in this race centers on the experience and legislative record of the incumbent, Rep. Daniel Gosa. While Gosa has not issued a detailed public rebuttal to Fillion's specific policy proposals in the available source material, the broader Democratic strategy in Iowa has emphasized protecting abortion rights and maintaining public education funding against Republican-led cuts.
Democratic organizers in Scott County have noted that while young voters are engaging with conservative influencers, many remain concerned about economic stability and healthcare access, issues they argue Gosa has addressed through his tenure in the legislature.
What the Numbers Show
Fillion is 22 years old, making him potentially the youngest candidate in Scott County history. He is running in Iowa House District 81, located in Scott County, which includes parts of Davenport and Bettendorf. The election is scheduled for November 2026.
Fillion holds endorsements from at least two prominent Republicans: Sen. Rick Scott and Iowa House Majority Leader Bobby Kaufmann. According to his campaign website, his top priorities include eliminating property taxes, increasing police funding, and enhancing parental rights in education. He is currently a student at Scott Community College pursuing a degree in criminal justice.
The Bottom Line
Fillion’s campaign represents a test case for the extent to which Gen Z conservatism can translate into electoral victories in swing districts. If he wins, he would not only represent a generational shift in the Iowa House but also potentially influence state policy on property taxes and policing.
Voters in Scott County will decide in November whether a 22-year-old outsider with a background in service industry work and a focus on cultural issues can unseat an incumbent Democrat who has established a presence in the state legislature.