DES MOINES – Iowa is extremely red these days, and down-and-out Democrats wanting to change that have selected Rita Hart to lead the party into the future.
Iowa was once a blue state with plenty of Democratic representation at all levels of government. Democrats occasionally held the Governor’s office, U.S. Senate seats, House of Representative seats, and had control of one or both chambers in the state legislature. Not to mention lefties in county courthouses. However, Iowa is now extremely red. Every elected member of Congress is a Republican. The state government is made up almost entirely of GOP elected officials. Only Auditor Rob Sand is in office, with a shrinking presence in the Legislature, now dominated by the party of Lincoln. Governor Kim Reynolds and her Senate and House are leading Iowa farther and farther right, from embracing Donald Trump, to slashing abortion, shrinking government, flirting with reviving the death penalty, mincing food for poor people, and cutting regulations on businesses and corporations.
Over the weekend, Iowa Democrats held an election for their leadership to guide them through these crimson times. Elected were: Chair: Rita Hart (a former state senator with a recent failed attempt at Congress); Vice Chair: Gregory Christensen; Secretary: Paula Martinez; and Treasurer Samantha Groark.
After taking office as chairperson, Rita Hart said, “For Iowa Democrats to start winning elections again, everyone has a part to play. We know this change won’t happen overnight, but I’m convinced we have the talent, know how, and desire to get the job done. Let’s do it together.”
Iowa Democrats have virtually nowhere to go but up, as they are losing elections especially harshly in rural areas. Misinformation, right wing cable shows with shouting demagogues and entrenched hate in these areas have made the Republican party the choice of most at the ballot box. The daunting task of turning that trend around lies with Hart and her party.
Congratulations to all of our new officers – Chair @RitaHartIA, Vice Chair @ReadyforGregory, Secretary Paula Martinez, and Treasurer Samantha Groark! pic.twitter.com/4OpWHQ6adx
— Iowa Democrats (@iowademocrats) January 29, 2023
