The Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee elected a new chairman Jan. 25.

Rep. Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, was chosen to replace outgoing chair Sue Dvorsky who was elected in June 2010.

“Iowa Democrats have a proud tradition of fighting for an economy built from the middle out, equal rights, and the idea that our strength draws from the connections we share,” he said in a statement. “I’m honored and excited to help lead the next chapter in that effort alongside our great Democratic elected officials, partners, and supporters across the state.”

Olson said he would like to build on Democrats successes in 2012, which included Iowa voting for the re-election of President Obama, 150 members of Iowa Legislature, and retaining control of the Iowa Senate.

“2014 brings a real opportunity to build on Democrats’ gains in Des Moines and Washington, D.C., not just to say we won an election but to expand educational and job opportunities for all Iowans,” Olson said in a statement.

The announcement by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, that he will not seek re-election in 2014 will be a focus of the party.

“We have a deep bench of talented candidates, and retaining his seat will be one of my top priorities,” Olson said.

The bench would include women who have some leadership roles in the party, he said.

“There are a lot of talented women, and I expect a number of them look at running for office.”

The new chairman would also like to ensure the party continues to update its data on voters and make sure the information is accessible to local officials.

“We will definitely make sure our organizing technology is the best available,” he said. “I want make sure our neighborhood leaders have is the latest data.”

Olson was recently re-elected to his fourth term in the Iowa House, where he serves as ranking member of the Appropriations Committee.