Democratic Senators elect leaders; Plan to strengthen Iowa’s middle class during the 2015 session

State Senators Chaz Allen (Newton) and Amanda Ragan (Mason City) talk during an organizational meeting of Iowa’s Democratic State Senators. The Democrats will lead the Iowa State Senate during the next two years thanks to their 26-24 majority. Allen, the former Mayor of Newton, was elected to his first four-year term. Senator Ragan, the executive director of the Community Kitchen of North Iowa and Mason City Meals on Wheels, was re-elected to her fourth term.

DES MOINES – On Sunday, November 9, the new 26-member Democratic majority of the Iowa Senate met to elect their legislative leaders and welcome three newly elected members.

The three new elected Democratic Senators will be sworn in on January 12 when the 2015 session begins. They are Chaz Allen of Newton, Tony Bisignano of Des Moines, and Kevin Kinney of rural Oxford.

Senator Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs was elected to continue serving as the Senate Majority Leader of the Iowa Senate.

“We will focus on broadly supported, common sense measures to expand and strengthen Iowa’s middle class,” Gronstal said. “The most serious economic challenge we face is that the recovery has yet to reach the broad majority of Iowans.”

Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque was re-elected President of the Senate. Senator Steve Sodders of State Center was re-elected Senate President Pro Tempore.

“The Iowa Legislature has repeatedly shown we can reach important agreements despite our political divisions,” Jochum said. “Iowans want action on jobs and education and I believe we will deliver.”

Senate Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City was elected Majority Whip. Senators Mary Jo Wilhelm of Cresco, Amanda Ragan of Mason City, Matt McCoy of Des Moines, and Bill Dotzler of Waterloo were elected Assistant Majority Leaders.