Mark Costello (Iowa politician) explained

Mark Costello
State Senate:Iowa
District:8th
Term Start:January 12, 2015
Predecessor:Joni Ernst
Constituency:8th District - (2023-Present)
12th District - (2015-2023)
State House3:Iowa
District3:23rd
Term Start3:January 14, 2013
Term End3:December 30, 2014
Predecessor3:Dan Rasmussen
Successor3:David Sieck
Birth Date:24 October 1961
Birth Place:Omaha, Nebraska
Party:Republican
Spouse:Rachel
Children:5
Residence:Imogene, Iowa
Education:University of Northern Iowa (BA)

Mark Costello (born October 24, 1961) is the Iowa State Senator from the 8th District.[1] A Republican, he has served in the Iowa Senate since being elected in 2014. He had also previously served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2013–2014.

Biography

Costello was born in Omaha, Nebraska but moved to Imogene, Iowa as a kid. He graduated from Nishna Valley High School before going on to attend the University of Northern Iowa, receiving a B.A. in computer information systems.[2]

After college Costello worked five years as a computer analyst with Garst Seed Company based in Coon Rapids before eventually returning to work on his family farm.

He and his wife Rachel were married in 2001. They have five children and currently reside on their family farm in Mills County.[3]

Iowa House of Representatives

Mark Costello (R-Imogene) was first elected to the Iowa House in 2012 representing the 23rd District.

Mark served as Vice Chair of the Iowa House Health & Human Resources Budget Subcommittee. His other committee assignments of the 85th General Assembly include Human Resources, State Government, Veterans Affairs, and Labor.[4]

Iowa Senate

He won the December 30, 2014 special election to replace Joni Ernst in the Iowa State Senate after she was elected to the U.S. Senate. Ernst's predecessor in the 12th Senate district, Kim Reynolds, also went on to be elected statewide as Governor.[5]

As of February 2020, Costello serves on the following committees: Ethics (Chair), Agriculture, Appropriations, Human Resources, and Veterans Affairs. He also serves on the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee (Chair), as well as the Health Policy Oversight Committee, Administrative Rules Review Committee, and the Medical Assistance Advisory Council.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: State Senator. www.legis.iowa.gov. 2020-02-06.
  2. Web site: Meet the Candidates: Mark Costello. Peterson. Mike. KMAland.com. 6 October 2016 . en. 2020-02-06.
  3. Web site: The Voter's Self Defense System. Vote Smart. 2020-02-06.
  4. Web site: Iowa House Republicans » Meet Our Members – Mark Costello. en-US. 2020-02-06.
  5. Web site: Costello wins Ernst's Iowa Senate seat. Klingseis. Katherine. Des Moines Register. en. 2020-02-06.