Politics in a Nutshell

Kim Reynolds won't seek reelection. See how Iowa's leaders are reacting to her decision.

Kim Reynolds has decided against running for reelection in 2026, welcome news to Iowans looking for a change in our state’s direction. Now the challenge becomes defeating the Republicans that will seek to replace Reynolds. They are all carbon copies of a disliked leader who intends to do nothing but continue her failed principles.

Iowa's members of Congress are back in the state for a two-week recess 

Iowa's members of Congress are back for a two-week recess. We want to know – how will they spend their time? Will they host any public town halls? Or will they continue to listen to their leadership in DC and hide from their constituents?

Trump blames Zelensky for Ukraine war after ’60 Minutes’ interview

Trump's comments come after he claimed that a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy that killed over 34 civilians, including two children, was nothing but a ‘mistake’ by the Russians. Trump has failed to deliver the peace he’s promised and now seeks to blame the Ukrainians for being slaughtered by Putin.

Representatives on the Record

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (202) 225-6576

Will Rep. Miller-Meeks host a town hall while she’s back in Iowa these next two weeks? Will she attend any public events? Why not? Why is she scared of her constituents?

Representative Ashley Hinson (202) 225-2911

Will Rep. Hinson host a town hall while she’s back in Iowa these next two weeks? Will she attend any public events? Why not? Why is she scared of her constituents?

Representative Zach Nunn (515) 400-8180

Will Rep. Nunn host a town hall while he’s back in Iowa these next two weeks? Will he attend any public events? Why not? Why is he scared of of his constituents?

Representative Randy Feenstra (712) 224-4692

Will Rep. Feenstra host a town hall while he’s back in Iowa these next two weeks? Will he attend any public events? Why not? Why is he scared of his constituents?

Take Action

Volunteer with the Iowa Democratic Party below. Help take our state and country back from the brink of Republican chaos.

Join the IDP at one of the many events being hosted in every corner of the state. See the full list of events by visiting iowademocrats.org and clicking the “Calendar” button in the top right corner.

35 (ish) and Under Social

When: Thurs, April 17, 6:30pm

Where: 5485 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Description: Join the Dallas County and West Des Moines Democrats at the new Grimaldi's Pizzeria in West Glen for this first-of-its-kind kind of event starting at 6 p.m. Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst is their special guest. Find out what's happening at the Capital. Open to the public.

Campaign 101: Run! Join a Team! Make a Difference!

When: Sat, April 26, 8:30am

Where: 529 E Main St, Ottumwa

Description: A Day of Learning for Women of Southern Iowa (and Beyond)

Presented by the Iowa Democratic Women’s Caucus

Have you considered running for an office or board, now or in the future, or just want to learn what’s involved? Are you interested in being on a campaign team? If the answer to any of these questions is Yes, this workshop is for you!

Women of southern Iowa (or beyond), come to Ottumwa on Saturday, April 26, to be inspired and learn from experienced campaigners and officeholders.

Suggested donation is $25. Donate via ActBlue (link is on registration form), or bring a check or cash to the event. RSVP/Advance Signup Required

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc51JfhJf87paHjxxiVTQlsYrs6nQNQXK38qbp8--tp0rHDag/viewform

Note From the Chair

Hey folks! Rita Hart here.

I spend a lot of time traveling through Iowa. I am attending county events, talking with local leaders, and meeting new people wherever I go. So when Governor Reynolds announced she wouldn’t seek reelection, many of those conversations began to revolve around who people thought would run as the Republican in her stead. And no matter whose name is brought up, the results are always the same.

More years of prioritizing private over public schools. More tax breaks for big businesses and the wealthy. More negligence towards Iowa's economy, with an ag crisis that will likely even worsen.

Every candidate is just going to be a cookie cutout of the worst things for which Reynolds represented and fought. We don’t know what the Republican candidate’s name will be, but we already know what they’ll continue to do to our state. Reynolds and Iowa Republicans have already led our state to the bottom of the pack when it comes to economic growth. In 2024, Iowa’s economic growth was 49th in the nation and personal income growth was 48th. It’s our job to make sure the Democratic candidate prevails so that the Republicans’ ruinous agenda is not allowed to continue.

Our work continues,

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

IDP Chair