Senator Zach Wahls

Zach Wahls was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018. He was elected to his second term in 2022, representing Senate District 43, which includes Coralville, North Liberty, Solon, part of western Iowa City, and rural northeast Johnson County.

As the Iowa Senator for District 43, I represent Coralville, North Liberty, several Iowa City neighborhoods, Solon, and several townships in rural Johnson County in the Iowa General Assembly. I decided to run because I wanted to give all Iowans a voice and because I will never forget what it felt like to be left out or how hard families like mine had to fight to get a seat at the table. I was elected as the youngest-ever Iowa Senate Democratic Leader in November 2020 and served in that leadership role until June 2023.

When I am not serving in my legislative capacity in Des Moines, I lead The Next 50, a national organization dedicated to supporting next generation political leaders across the United States. Prior to joining The Next 50, I worked as GreenState Credit Union’s Vice President for Community Investment and Development. I oversaw several initiatives and projects dedicated to expanding our service of everyday Iowans and in pursuit of the credit union credo: “People helping people.”

Before my election to the Iowa Senate in 2018, I worked primarily as an advocate in the LGBTQ rights movement following my 2011 testimony before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee about growing up with lesbian parents in the Midwest. In this capacity, I wrote extensively about my family’s experience, including a best-selling book; I spoke at 200+ events ranging from junior high schools to a prime-time speech at the 2012 Democratic Convention; and I co-founded and led Scouts for Equality, which successfully organized the national campaign to end discrimination against LGBT people in the Boy Scouts of America.

I completed my Master in Public Affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs in June 2018 and received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. I spend my time off being active outdoors, enjoying good whiskey and cigars, reading, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Green Bay Packers. I live in Coralville with my wife, Dr. Chloe Angyal, our son Elijah, and our dog Zelda.

Contact Senator Zach Wahls at 515-281-3901 and zach.wahls@legis.iowa.gov or follow him on social media.