Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Senate Dems vote for nonpartisan maps

    Senate Democrats vote unanimously for fair, nonpartisan redistricting; Call on Gov. Reynolds to sign legislative maps

    Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    Today, the Iowa Legislature approved a non-partisan redistricting plan in a strong, bipartisan vote. This is a win for all Iowans who care about our government and about our ability to come together, solve problems, and improve people’s lives.

    As Democrats said throughout this process, Iowans deserve fair maps, without partisan interference, and without political amendments. We stood firm in defense of Iowa’s best-in-the-nation model for independent and non-partisan redistricting, and I’m glad our Republican colleagues agreed with us.

    Iowa’s non-partisan redistricting tradition has been upheld thanks to the overwhelming support of Iowans. Iowans across the state stood up in defense of our democracy, against partisan gerrymandering, and made our voices heard in the legislative process. I am proud of everybody who stood up on this important issue.

    Now, it’s time for Governor Reynolds to sign the bill and for us to get back to work helping hardworking Iowans.

    We can now focus on the 2022 legislative session that starts in January. With help from President Biden and Congresswoman Axne, Iowa is already building back better from the pandemic, but there’s more to do.

    In January, Senate Democrats will focus on investing in local public schools, helping small businesses and communities recover from the pandemic, and beefing up Iowan’s paychecks. We’re going to fight for higher wages, more affordable child care options for parents, and middle class tax relief for hard working Iowans. Democrats are fighting for folks who work hard and play by the rules, and I’m excited to get to work on their behalf.

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  • Let’s approve 2nd nonpartisan redistricting plan

    “If Republicans vote down the second map, that will be the clearest sign yet that they are rushing to gerrymander Iowa’s legislative map and rig election outcomes in their favor.“

    Prepared remarks by State Senator Zach Wahls at Iowa Democratic Leaders’ 10-21-21 press conference

    See the 2nd nonpartisan redistricting proposal

    “First of all, I want to say how disappointed I am at yesterday’s district court injunction against striking Deere workers in Davenport. This ruling is yet another attack on labor rights in Iowa and an ominous sign of what is to come.

    “As of this morning, we have seen and started our review of the second redistricting plan released by the non-partisan LSA. Our position has been clear and consistent from the beginning: Iowans deserve fair maps, drawn without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments. 

    “Just like the first map, this second map is fair and meets the legal and constitutional requirements. It addresses all of the purported concerns of the Republicans from the first map. Senate Democrats will vote for it, and Legislative Republicans should join us in voting for fair, non-partisan maps.

    “As we said after the first map, there was no legitimate reason for Republicans to vote down the first map, and there will be no legitimate reason to vote down the second map either. If Republicans vote down the second map, that will be the clearest sign yet that they are rushing to gerrymander Iowa’s legislative map and rig election outcomes in their favor.

    “Republicans have an opportunity today to put this all to rest. They can make a definitive statement today against gerrymandering by stating they’ll vote for the fair, non-partisan maps that were just released. We’ll have respected our gold-standard non-partisan redistricting process, and we can move onto the important work of solving the problems that hard-working Iowans face.

    “That’s what Senate Democrats are ready to do, and we hope Legislative Republicans are as well.

    “Approving this fair, non-partisan redistricting plan is in the best interests of both parties, and more importantly, it will be the best outcome for all Iowans.”

  • Republican leaders must rule out gerrymandering, accept second map

    Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls

    DES MOINES—At today’s weekly media availability, Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls of Coralville delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery:

    “This morning I was proud to join UAW workers on the picket line in Ankeny. I stand in solidarity with the UAW workers striking for a fair contract from Deere. Iowans deserve pay and benefits that reflect their hard work. Every hard-working Iowan deserves a good paying job, a middle-class life, and a secure retirement.

    “Working people built America into the greatest nation on Earth and are the backbone of this country. We should reward work, not wealth.

    “While Senate Democrats continue our fight for working Iowans, we remain vigilant about the looming Republican gerrymander.

    “Since the start of 2021, we’ve been calling on Iowa Republicans to respect Iowa’s nonpartisan redistricting tradition and rule out gerrymandering Iowa’s legislative districts. So far, Republicans have refused to rule out imposing partisan election maps on Iowa.

    “Their silence is a clear sign that Republicans are willing to cheat and gerrymander Iowa’s elections for the next decade.

    “All Iowans should be concerned. Partisan gerrymandering strengthens the power of special interest elites while silencing the voices of farmers, small business owners, parents, and retirees. Republican gerrymandering will create a breeding ground for corruption and bad laws, continuing to push younger and talented Iowans to leave for better opportunities elsewhere.”

    “Iowa law never intended for the majority party to be able to review all the maps, and then pick and choose the map it likes the best. When one party picks and chooses maps that they like the best; that’s gerrymandering, plain and simple. This a la carte gerrymandering is an egregious abuse of our process – a process recognized across the country for its fairness and independence.

    “Republicans are threatening Iowa’s fair, nonpartisan redistricting process. Republicans have continually kept on the table the prospect of adopting a new, secret district map drawn by unknown Republican lobbyists and powerbrokers. Today, I’m calling on Republican leaders to pledge to completely rule out gerrymandering and accept the second legislative map that we’ll see next week.

    “If the second map meets all the requirements laid out in state law – which I am confident it will – then Senate Democrats will vote for it, and Republicans should as well. They can put this all to bed and allow all of us to move on by voting YES on the second nonpartisan, independent map.

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  • Iowa GOP is a step closer to rigging Iowa elections

    IOWA SENATE DEMOCRATS
    For Immediate Release: 10/5/2021

    Breaking with decades of non-partisan redistricting, today Iowa Republicans took a big step closer to rigging Iowa elections

    Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    Breaking with decades of non-partisan redistricting tradition, today Iowa Republicans took a big step closer to rigging Iowa elections.

    The reasons given by Republican Senator Roby Smith on the floor ignored Iowa law and in fact demonstrated that there was no legitimate reason for Legislative Republicans to reject this first map. This was a fair map drawn by the nonpartisan, independent commission. It met all the requirements laid out in state law. This is an outrageous use of political power to rig elections in their favor.

    We are in completely uncharted territory, due to unprecedented delays. Today, Iowa Republicans could have ended the uncertainty and demonstrated a commitment to our non-partisan tradition. Instead, they rejected the LSA’s non-partisan plan in a party line vote.

    Watch Senate’s 10/5/21 debate on redistricting

    Iowans know partisan gerrymandering erodes democracy in other states.  We’ve seen how special interests are strengthened and corruption grows in gerrymandered states.

    That’s why gerrymandering not only strips the minority party of their power, it also hurts voters of the majority party – in this case Republican voters – by letting legislators disregard the will of voters. The extreme Republican agenda will become even more dominated by special interests, and the needs of farmers, smaller business owners, parents, and retirees will fall by the wayside.

    Iowans, listen up.  This is a clear signal Republicans are willing to use a partisan gerrymander to keep themselves in power, regardless of the will of we the people. Now is the time for Iowans to make their voices heard, contact their legislators, and demand that Republicans stop going down their dangerous road.

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  • If Iowa GOP rejects first map, that’s a clear signal they plan to gerrymander

    IOWA SENATE DEMOCRATS
    For Immediate Release: 9/30/2021

    Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    “Let me be clear: There’s no legitimate reason for Legislative Republicans to reject this first map. If Republicans vote down the first map, that is a clear signal they are planning to gerrymander Iowa legislative districts to keep themselves in power. It will be an attack on democracy, and Democrats will fight it every step of the way.”

    BACKGROUND

    This Tuesday, October 5, the Iowa Legislature will consider new state and federal legislative districts which, if approved, would shape Iowa elections for the next 10 years. 

    Today Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls spoke at a virtual press conference with Iowa reporters.  Video of his statement is available here: https://youtu.be/ms3W5kgaKZ4

    COMPLETE REMARKS

    DES MOINES—At today’s weekly media availability, Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls of Coralville delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery:

    “Iowans deserve fair elections, and they know that starts with fair, nonpartisan district maps.  That consensus was clearly reflected by the overwhelming majority of public comments made during last week’s hearings.

    “There are some things for Republicans to like about these maps, and there are some things for Democrats to like – but most importantly – these are nonpartisan maps drawn without interference from politicians or political influence. That’s why I’ll be voting to approve these maps on October 5, and why my Republican colleagues should as well.

    “For the last 40 years, Iowa legislative districts have been drawn on the basis of equal population, compactness, and respecting local civil boundaries when possible.  These maps were drawn by nonpartisan staff without regard to where incumbent politicians live, past election results, or partisan advantage.

    “Iowans want fair maps, maps that make sense and respect county and city boundaries when possible.  That’s what they want and what they deserve.

    “Here’s what Iowans don’t want: They don’t want one party using their political power to rig the game in their favor. They don’t want Republicans to gerrymander and lock Iowans out of their government.

    “As we’ve seen in other states, partisan gerrymandering erodes our democracy, gives outsized influence to special interests, and creates a breeding ground for rampant corruption. Gerrymandering not only strips the minority party of their power, it also hurts Republican voters as well. Voters of both parties want their elected leaders to work together to solve the problems that hard working Iowans face. But a government controlled by a slim minority – and the special interests that fund their campaigns – won’t do anything to fix the challenges that we face as a state.

    “Let me be clear: There’s no legitimate reason for Legislative Republicans to reject this first map. If Republicans vote down the first map, that is a clear signal they are planning to gerrymander Iowa legislative districts to keep themselves in power. It will be an attack on democracy, and Democrats will fight it every step of the way.

    “Hopefully it does not come to that, and Republicans in the legislature have the opportunity to do the right thing on Tuesday and vote YES on the maps.”

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  • Iowans support fair, non-partisan maps

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release: September 23, 2021

    “Iowans overwhelmingly support fair, non-partisan maps, and they don’t want politicians making changes to benefit one side or the other.”

    Statement by State Senator Janet Petersen of Des Moines:

    “Iowa citizens have had their say on the first redistricting map. 

    “At both the federal and state levels, the districts have nearly the same number of voters and follow local government boundaries when possible.

    “Iowans overwhelmingly support fair, non-partisan maps, and they don’t want politicians making changes to benefit one side or the other.”

    “For 40 years, Iowa has shown every other state how to do redistricting fairly, without partisan gerrymandering.  Iowa voters pick their politicians; politicians don’t get to pick their voters.

    “Other states, red and blue, should follow Iowa’s lead.

    “The Legislature should do what we did last time.  Approve the new maps and move forward.”

    End

  • Iowa Redistricting Plan 1 Released

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls on Iowa Redistricting Plan 1

    “We are currently reviewing Plan 1 to ensure it meets all the legal and constitutional requirements for redistricting. We believe Iowans deserve a fair redistricting process, without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments. We encourage Iowans to examine Plan 1 and to make their voices heard at three public hearings next week.”

    Background:

    The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission is scheduled to  hold virtual public hearings to gather public input on Plan 1 on the times and dates below: 

    • Monday, September 20: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
    • Tuesday, September 21:  12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
    • Wednesday, September 22: 6:00 pm – 8:30 p.m. 

    Instructions for registration and submitting public comments were posted today on the Legislature’s website: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/redistricting

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  • Iowa’s 2021 Redistricting Process

    The Iowa Supreme Court issued an order September 14 announcing that the Court’s constitutional duty to “cause a map to be reappointed” will be met by following the redistricting process laid out in Chapter 42. This means redistricting is in the hands of the Legislature. The Court set a December 1 deadline for the Legislature to complete its work. Here’s a link to the order: www.iowacourts.gov/collections/666/files/1398/embedDocument

    Governor Reynolds sent out a news release earlier yesterday announcing that she signed a proclamation convening a special legislative session on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, “to consider and enact a plan of legislative and congressional redistricting in accordance with the framework set forth in chapter 42 of the Iowa Code.”

    Estimated Timeline and What to Expect:

    9/16/21 — At 10 a.m., the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency (LSA) will deliver packets to the House and Senate chamber that includes a map, a copy of the bill (which describes in detail the boundaries for each district), and a memo regarding data on standards, populations, and deviations for Plan 1.

    9/16/21 — Shortly after it is released to legislators, Plan 1 and accompanying information will be available on the Legislature’s website: www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/redistricting

    Week of 9/20/21 — The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission is scheduled to  hold virtual public hearings to gather public input on Plan 1 on these dates:

    • Monday, September 20: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
    • Tuesday, September 21:  12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
    • Wednesday, September 22: 6:00 pm – 8:30 p.m.

    Instructions for registration and submitting public comment are available at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/publicHearings.

    14-day deadline to submit report — The Commission is required to submit its report from the public hearings to the Legislature no later than 14 days after the first plan is submitted to the Legislature.

    October 5, 2021 – Special Session on Plan 1

    December 1 – Redistricting process must be complete.

    Here’s the statement that Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls released yesterday:

    “We are currently reviewing the order from the Iowa Supreme Court regarding redistricting. As we have said since Day 1, Iowans deserve a fair redistricting process, without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments. The Legislature should approve Plan 1 during the October 5 special session if it meets all the legal and constitutional requirements.”

    END

  • Special session set for redistricting

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    “We are currently reviewing the order from the Iowa Supreme Court regarding redistricting. As we have said since Day 1, Iowans deserve a fair redistricting process, without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments. The Legislature should approve Plan 1 during the October 5 special session if it meets all the legal and constitutional requirements.”

    END

  • Delta surge is result of failed GOP leadership

    Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    “Iowans deserve a fair redistricting process, without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments.”

    “Iowa’s historic $100 million investment in affordable housing was made possible by President Biden and Rep. Cindy Axne. Thank you!”

    “We are in this dangerous delta surge because of failed leadership from Iowa Republicans. They rejected $95 million to protect our students, have embraced vaccine skepticism, and continue to ignore our responsibilities to each other.”

    COMPLETE REMARKS

    DES MOINES—In today’s weekly press availability, Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls (D-Coralville) delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery:

    “It’s been a big news week here in Iowa, and next week may be even bigger. First, on redistricting, I want to reiterate our commitment: Iowans deserve a fair redistricting process, without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments. Senate Democrats will support a plan that meets those criteria. We stridently oppose any efforts by legislative Republicans and the Governor to attack democracy and rig redistricting in their favor.

    “Additionally, this week we saw Governor Reynolds attempt to take credit for the $100 million investment in Iowa’s affordable housing. Let’s be 100% clear. Governor Reynolds gave a TV interview opposing this bill. Every single Republican in Iowa’s congressional delegation voted against this bill. Iowa’s historic $100 million investment in affordable housing was made possible by President Biden and Representative Cindy Axne and the Democratic Party. Thank you!

    “Next, yesterday, President Biden announced crucial measures that give Iowans a clear choice if they work for a large employer: get vaccinated or participate in weekly testing. And once again, we’re seeing failed leadership from Iowa Republicans. We are in this dangerous delta surge because of failed leadership from Iowa Republicans. They rejected $95 million to protect our students, have embraced vaccine skepticism, and continue to ignore our responsibilities to each other. Governor Reynolds should pick up the phone and call President Biden today to get our $95 million back to Iowa to protect our students. Yesterday, the Gazette reported that most new COVID-19 cases are among children. The Register reported that our hospitals are filling up. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue, and it never has been. This is about public health and protecting the lives of Iowans. Other Republican Governors have learned from their mistakes. It’s time for Governor Reynolds to start learning from her mistakes and stop putting her party politics over public health.

    “Finally, to close, tomorrow we will commemorate the twentieth anniversary of 9/11. I will never forget walking into my elementary school on that crisp autumn morning and watching on the television as our nation was attacked. For my entire generation, our lives changed forever. I will never forget the fear and anger and confusion that I felt — or the sense of unity and pride as we learned the stories of heroism from first responders and everyday Americans on that trying day, from Flight 93 to the Pentagon to Ground Zero.

    Twenty years later, the ideals of this great country endure. Despite the enormous challenges we continue to face today, we know that what makes our country strong is our commitment to each other to work through the hard times so we can enjoy the good ones. The same spirit of mutual responsibility and shared destiny that we all felt on the morning of September 11, 2001 is still with us today and is more important than ever.”

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