Note From the Chair

Hey folks! Rita Hart here.

We haven’t been in contact since before the election – and that time of regrouping is about to end. Now’s the moment to rev our efforts back up again, and really get this party ready for the changes to come. Last Saturday I was re-elected by the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee to serve as your State Party Chair. When I first ran to be Chair, I released a plan called Mandate for Change. In the last two years, we have begun the project of reforging IDP into an institution that helps Iowa Democrats win again. We need to take the progress we’ve made since then and continue building on it. Before my re-election, I rolled out my plan for the next two years. It’s called Forward: Victory 2026. Together, we will improve our efforts to:

Turnout Democratic voters by increasing Iowa Democrats’ organizing capacity and getting more people doing more things. That means everywhere: urban, suburban, and rural counties. 

Hold Republicans accountable through earned media and organic content by working closely with our elected officials, recruiting Iowans to share their stories to spread our message, and making content easier to share

Provide the best data & tools to our county parties, volunteers, and activists by building on the training programs we began in 2024 and helping our counties spend their resources as efficiently as possible. 

We’ll have a lot more to share about each of these categories and how you can get involved to help in the coming days and weeks. I am thrilled about what we can get done in 2025!

Let’s get to work,

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

IDP Chair

Take Action

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.

Zimmer Campaign Event

When: Wed, January 15, 5pm

Where: Pizza Ranch, 1347 11th St. NW, Clinton

Description: Bring your friends and family to meet Mike this WEDNESDAY and hear about his campaign for Iowa Senate District 35. The event starts at 5pm at Pizza Ranch in Clinton. The special election for this seat will be held Tuesday, January 28th. Mike has devoted his life to strengthening our communities and creating opportunities for people to succeed. He will bring bold leadership and real solutions to move Iowa forward, and give the hardworking families of Senate District 35 the representation we deserve.

Senate Candidate Forum

When: Thurs, January 16, 6pm

Where: Clinton County Satellite Office, 226 11th Street, DeWitt

Description: Clinton County residents are invited to attend in person Thursday, January 16th at the Clinton County Satellite Office (226 11th St), or watch the LIVE Stream on Facebook Live or on the Grow Clinton County Iowa YouTube Page by clicking:

https://www.youtube.com/@GrowClintonCountyIowa.

Event starts at 6pm, doors open at 5:40pm.

Here’s what you can expect:

*Each candidate will give a brief introduction and closing statement.

*The Q&A will be moderated with a timekeeper.

*Questions will be prepared by a non-partisan committee, and candidates will receive general topics in advance (but not the actual questions).

*The public can submit questions in writing prior to or in writing at the event. Some questions may be combined at the moderator’s discretion. 

Questions may be submitted in advance to: [email protected], [email protected]. 

People’s March Dubuque

When: Sat, January 18, 10am

Where: Steeple Square Event Center, 101 E. 15th St., Dubuque, IA 52001

Description: Providing a local "sister" event to the national event in Washington, D.C. on the same day. A rally and march to help build a community prepared to take action. We want to do what we can to assure that the rights of ALL people are not trampled on by the incoming Trump administration. 

Veterans Caucus Meeting

When: Sun, January 19, 2pm

Where: Online Event

Description: Regular caucus meeting, open to the public. RSVP to [email protected] and a link will be provided.

Do you have an event that should be listed here or on the IDP Events Online Calendar? Submit an event to be added to IDP’s public event calendar by filling out our quick event submission form.

In the News

USA TODAY Rita Hart reelected to lead Iowa Democratic Party, looks for gains in 2026 election.

Quad-City Times More property tax cuts top priority for Iowa lawmakers

USA TODAY Trump’s pledged mass deportations have Iowa immigrants fearful of what’s to come

On the Internet

Iowa House Democrats: Meet the new Iowa House Democrats leadership team for the 2025 Legislative Session. Congratulations to Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, Rep. Brian Meyer, Rep. Heather Matson, Rep. Sean Bagniewski, and Rep. Elizabeth Wilson. #ialegis

Iowa Senate Democrats: Sen. Janice Weiner has been elected by her colleagues as the new leader of the Iowa Senate Democrats. Read the statement here: bit.ly/3V76xeB

Iowa Democratic Party: Congratulations to our returning executive officers following their reelection this weekend! With their continued commitment and leadership, IDP is excited to keep building the groundwork to elect Democrats and fight for opportunity for every Iowan.