Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner (D-Iowa City) today released the following statement on the passing of State Senator Claire Celsi of West Des Moines.
“I cannot begin to express how deeply saddened I am by the passing of our senate colleague and my good friend Claire Celsi,” said Weiner. “In her private and public life, Senator Celsi was a fearless advocate and truthteller for women, the elderly, and public education. Improving the quality of life for Iowans in nursing homes became her signature issue. Claire was an advocate for the vulnerable and voice for the voiceless, representing thousands of Iowans who felt forgotten by the political process. She often told me it was both her honor and her passion to serve in the Iowa Senate.
As Claire dealt with health challenges, I admired her perseverance and determination to continue to serve her constituents and to be present at the Capitol. And she managed to leaven it all with humor, including during that last long night of the 2025 session.
She will be dearly missed. I extend my condolences and prayers – and those of our entire caucus – to her husband Todd, daughters Chelsey & Bailey, grandchildren Mia and Dean, mom Ellen, and the entire extended Celsi family.”
Sen. Celsi has served the people of Senate District 16 since 2023. Prior to redistricting, she represented Senate District 21 from 2019 to 2023.