Linda Upmeyer named new House Speaker

CLEAR LAKE – One of North Iowa’s most prominent politicians has gained a new rank in the Iowa Legislature.

Linda Upmeyer of Clear Lake has been name the new House Speaker and said to be the first female to hold that position. She replaces Kraig Paulsen who resigned after 4 years.

Upmeyer – a nurse practitioner who studied at Drake University – was is a Republican who served as the House Majority Leader.

Osage’s Josh Byrnes also sought the position.

“Today is a historic day as Republican Linda Upmeyer will become the first female speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives. I congratulate Speaker-select Upmeyer and am eager to work with her, Majority Leader Chris Hagenow, Majority Whip Joel Fry and Assistant Majority Leader Zach Nunn to continue building Iowa for the future,” said Branstad. “In Iowa, women are leading in key positions throughout state government – Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, State Auditor Mary Mosiman, Senate President Pam Jochum, the most female department directors in Iowa history, and soon the Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives.”