Politics in a Nutshell

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia State Coincident Index

A new report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia has found that Iowa is dead last in economic growth, ranking behind all other states in the union. This report supports other economic findings from last year, when Iowa was ranked worst economy in the country and 48th state for personal income growth.

Gov. Kim Reynolds calls for city and county spending limits in 2026 Condition of the State address | Iowa Public Radio

Kim Reynolds gave her annual Condition of the State address earlier this week. Her speech is a classic example of avoidance of responsibility. Out of all the topics she discussed, Iowa’s faltering economy barely even received a mention.

Representatives on the Record

Give your representatives a call and ask them questions about the decisions they are making in Congress.

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (202) 225-6576

What is Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ response to Iowa being ranked 50th in the nation for economic growth? Iowa’s economy has tanked under her watch, so what’s she going to do to fix it? What is her plan to ensure Iowa thrives in the future, and doesn’t fall even further behind?

Representative Ashley Hinson (202) 225-2911

What is Ashley Hinson’s response to Iowa being ranked 50th in the nation for economic growth? Iowa’s economy has tanked under her watch, so what’s she going to do to fix it? What is her plan to ensure Iowa thrives in the future, and doesn’t fall even further behind?

Representative Zach Nunn (515) 400-8180

What is Zach Nunn’s response to Iowa being ranked 50th in the nation for economic growth? Iowa’s economy has tanked under his watch, so what’s he going to do to fix it? What is his plan to ensure Iowa thrives in the future, and doesn’t fall even further behind?

Representative Randy Feenstra (712) 224-4692

What is Randy Feenstra’s response to Iowa being ranked 50th in the nation for economic growth? Iowa’s economy has tanked under his watch, so what’s he going to do to fix it? What is his plan to ensure Iowa thrives in the future, and doesn’t fall even further behind?

Take Action

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

The caucuses are here! If you want to be a part of making sure Iowa gets new leadership in 2026, this is where to start. Find your caucus location using the button below and help IDP organize for the future.

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 “Events” under the “Take Action” tab at the top of the page.

Grundy County Democrats Soup Dinner and Auction

When: Sat, January 17, 5:00 p.m. 

Where: 540 Main St, Dike, IA 50624

Description: Will include a Soup Dinner, Pie Auction, and Guest Speakers.

Ankeny Area Democrats Monthly Meeting

When: Tues, January 20, 6:30 p.m. 

Where: Ankeny Kirkendall Public Library, 1250 SW District Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023

Description: Please join the Ankeny Area Democrats for their monthly meetings, every 3rd Tuesday. Details can be found at https://www.ankenyareademocrats.org/

Note From the Chair

Hey folks! Rita Hart here.

Kim Reynolds gave her annual Condition of the State address last night. She did a respectful job honoring the Iowa National Guard members who fell in Syria last year, as well as highlighting how a new focus is needed on property tax collection in our state.

Unfortunately, she spent almost no time on one of the most important issues in our state, our economy. And the reason she was so avoidant isn’t a good one; Iowa is ranked as the worst state in the union for economic growth.

Instead of recognizing this reality and planning for the future, Reynolds has found it sufficient to bury her head in the sand and pray she can make it to retirement without dealing with any of the consequences of her actions.

Closing factories, polluted water, a growing deficit – they were all met with silence from Iowa leadership.

Iowa Republicans are leaving working folks in the dust. It is getting harder and harder to make ends meet, our rural economy is struggling due to uncertainty, and Republicans are not doing anything to lower costs. Iowans deserve better. We need to elect leaders who’ll work to fix our state, not play pretend while everything falls apart. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit iowademocrats.org.

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

IDP Chair