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Republicans elect leadership team for Iowa’s 89th General Assembly

State capitol of Iowa in Des Moines

DES MOINES – On Monday, Iowa House Republicans elected a leadership team to guide the 59 member House Majority caucus through the 89th General Assembly.

Rep. Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford) was re-elected to continue serving as Speaker of the House. Grassley was first elected Speaker in 2019 and previously served as Chairman of the Appropriations, Agriculture, and Economic Growth committees. Grassley farms with his father and grandfather in Butler County.

“I want to thank the members of the House Republican caucus for continuing to put their trust in me to lead us forward. It is an honor to lead this impressive group of public servants as we work to improve the lives of Iowans.

House Republicans said in a statement, “As we look towards the 2021 session,  (we) will continue to govern in the same way that has put us in the Majority for the last decade. Iowans expect strong leadership from their state lawmakers and that’s what we will do. We will continue to bring a thoughtful and conservative approach to the state budget, ease the pressure of our worker shortage by addressing the issues of child care, housing, and broadband, and help Iowans get back to work, school, and normal life in a safe and responsible manner.”

Rep. Matt Windschitl (R-Missouri Valley) was re-elected as House Majority Leader. He was first elected Majority Leader in 2019 and previously served as Speaker Pro Tem. Windschitl works for Doll Distributing in Council Bluffs.

“I am incredibly grateful to the House Republican caucus who have again entrusted me to serve as their Majority Leader. This is an honor that I do not take lightly, and I will continue to fulfill the duties of the office in a way that matches the values of this caucus and Iowans.

House Republicans said in a statement, “While our membership has changed by expanding our majority, the principles held by the House Republican caucus remain the same. We will continue to give the hard-working taxpayers of Iowa a seat at the table, enhance freedoms and liberties, and prioritize the needs of Iowans every way we can. Iowans made a very clear decision on election day with their votes, and it shows that our state motto is what they embrace and hold dear, ‘Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.’ House Republicans will work tirelessly to fulfill this motto every way we can.”

Rep. John Wills (R-Spirit Lake) was re-elected as Speaker Pro Tem, a position he has held since 2019. Wills works as as the Clean Water Coordinator for the Dickinson Soil And Water Conservation District.

Rep. Mike Sexton (R-Rockwell City) was re-elected as House Majority Whip, a position he has held since 2019. Sexton owns two small businesses that focus on agricultural compliance and also farms in Calhoun County.

Assistant Leaders will be elected at a later date.

House Republicans will open the 89th General Assembly with a strong majority of 59 members (out of 100 total seats), including 14 new members. The 2021 legislative session begins Monday, January 11.

Whitver
(Photo via Iowa Senate Republicans)

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans reelected Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, as Majority Leader. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, was selected as President of the Iowa Senate for the 89th General Assembly.  GOP controls the Iowa Senate, 32-18, over Democrats.

“For three election cycles in a row, Iowans have spoken and clearly stated they want leadership in Des Moines to conservatively manage the state budget, implement policies to encourage growth, and continue to provide tax relief for working families,” said Whitver. “It is a privilege to lead this caucus. It is a dynamic group of people who are deeply connected to their districts and I am excited to spend the next two years delivering on our promises.”

Whitver was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2010. He was chosen by Senate Republicans to preside over the Senate as President in 2016 and became Majority Leader in 2018. In 2018 he was re-elected to a four year team to represent Ankeny, Alleman and a portion of northeast Des Moines in the Iowa Senate. He resides in Ankeny with his wife, Rachel and their three children.

“It is an honor to be chosen as President of the Senate by my colleagues,” said Chapman. “This caucus embraces challenges and charts a bold, conservative path to improving this state and making it the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family. I look forward to working with all our members to implement that agenda.”

Chapman was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2012 to represent all of Guthrie and Adair Counties and portions of Dallas, Cass, and Polk counties. He resides in Adel with his wife and five children.

The Republican leadership team consists of the following senators:

Majority Leader: Senator Jack Whitver, Ankeny

President of the Senate: Senator Jake Chapman, Adel

President Pro Tempore of the Senate: Senator Brad Zaun, Urbandale

Majority Whip: Senator Amy Sinclair, Allerton

Assistant Majority Leaders:

  • Senator Chris Cournoyer, LeClaire
  • Senator Carrie Koelker, Dyersville
  • Senator Mark Lofgren, Muscatine
  • Senator Zach Whiting, Spirit Lake
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