Rep. Linda Upmeyer to leave Iowa Legislature

DES MOINES – This afternoon, Speaker Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) announced that she will not seek re-election in 2020 and plans to resign as Speaker of the Iowa House in late 2019.

“After thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision that it is time for me to step away from the Legislature to spend more time with my husband, kids, and grandkids. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Iowa. I want to thank all of my constituents that have allowed me to represent them in the Iowa House over the past 17 years.

Most of all, I want to thank my family for being so supportive Whether I was in session in Des Moines, crisscrossing the state attending fundraisers, or traveling to conferences and other meetings in other states, their unwavering support and encouragement are what made it possible for me to serve. I can’t thank them enough.”

Upmeyer was first elected to the Iowa House in 2002 where she used her experience as a nurse practitioner to become a go-to authority on health care policy. In 2015, she was chosen to serve as Speaker of the House, the first woman in Iowa history to hold the position. Her father, Del Stromer, served as Speaker of the House in the 1980s, and the two are believed to be the first father-daughter pair to both hold the title of Speaker. Upmeyer was also the first woman in Iowa history to be elected House Majority Leader in 2010 and previously served as Chairwoman of the Human Resources Committee and House Minority Whip.

During her time as Speaker of the House, the Legislature enacted the largest tax cut for families and small businesses in Iowa history, passed legislation to provide Iowans with additional options for affordable health coverage, and increased funding for K-12 education to an all-time high.

“I am incredibly proud of the things we have been able to accomplish for the people of Iowa during my time in the House. I know that whoever the caucus selects as Speaker will do a great job and continue to deliver results for our state. We have tremendous leaders in our caucus and I am confident in each of their abilities to take action on the priorities of Iowans.”

Upmeyer will continue to serve as Speaker until the beginning of the 2020 legislative session. A leadership election will be held on a future date to be determined.

Gov. Reynolds released the following statement today after Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer announced that she is stepping down from her leadership role:

“Speaker Linda Upmeyer is a dear friend as well as a talented and tenacious legislator. Together, we tackled some of the most important issues facing the state. We passed the largest tax cut in Iowa history, secured historic investments for preK-12 education, implemented comprehensive mental health reform and fought to protect the lives of the unborn. Linda will be remembered as a remarkable public servant who helped move Iowa in a better direction.”