10 Legislative Leaders You Should Know

Next month the 91st General Assembly of the Iowa Legislature will convene. Following last month’s statehouse elections, the political parties in both the House and Senate have met to select their leadership. See the list below for 10 people you should know in leadership roles.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, a small business owner, attorney and former ISU football standout. Whitver represents parts of Polk and Dallas Counties. Whitver is responsible for what issues are debated on the Senate floor, including developing consensus around the priorities of his party.

Senate President Amy Sinclair, a background in family farming and education – both as community college instructor and Chair of the Senate Education Committee. Sinclair represents one of the largest senate districts in land area covering all or part of 9 counties in south and central Iowa, stretching for western Dallas County to Iowa’s southern border. Sinclair is responsible for running of the Senate during deliberation, interpreting rules and motions and controlling debate.

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ken Rozenboom, a livestock and row crop farmer. As Pro-Tem, Rozenboom represents Newton and Pella and rural Mahaska County west of Oskaloosa. The Pro-Tem assists in running the chamber, spending time in the President’s chair managing debate. The Pro-Tem is typically an experienced legislator that can bring a long view to their caucus

Senate Majority Whip Mike Klimesh, a small business owner represents the far northeastern corner of Iowa bordering Minnesota and Wisconsin. The job of the whip is to count votes of the majority party and build support for the priorities of the majority. Klimesh represents northeastern most counties in Iowa.

Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner is an Iowa City native and represents her home town after a U.S. State Department career in the foreign service. The role of the Minority Leader is to work to put the minority party’s stamp on public policy, coordinate a communication strategy to raise the profile of minority party viewpoints and to recruit candidates for office to challenge control of the Senate Chamber.

House Speaker Pat Grassley, a farmer, Grassley represents a two-county area that includes Waverly, Shell Rock and Parkersburg. As the leader of his Caucus in the House, Grassley appoints committee chairs and rosters, develops the legislative agenda for each session, conferring with his other elected leaders and the Governor.

House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl, a Marine Corps veteran, gunsmith, railroad conductor and employee of a beverage distributorship, Windschitl runs the private caucus meetings of fellow republicans, determines the order of debate and develops consensus for issues. Windschitl represents the northern part of Pottawattamie County and Harrison County.

House Speaker Pro-Tempore John Wills, a 25-year veteran of the Army National Guard with several overseas deployments is Environmental Coordinator for the Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation District. Wills officiates over debate in the House from the Speaker’s chair and advances consensus within his caucus. Wills’ district includes four northwest Iowa counties including the Iowa Great Lakes and Emmetsburg.

Majority Whip Henry Stone, a Retired Air Force Master Sergeant and high school and college football coach, Stone runs the vote-counting operation for the republican majority, providing support for their priorities. Stone’s district is comprised of portions of three northern Iowa counties that include Estherville, Algona and Forest City.

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, an associate professor of journalism at Drake University, Konfrst has spent decades at the Iowa statehouse as the daughter of a long-time AP statehouse reporter. As the Democratic Leader Konfrst appoints members to committees, oversees minority staff directs the public relations of the minority party. Konfrst lives in Windsor Heights and represents that city and Clive, Iowa.

Two additional key legislators you should know: Those who represent you and your business in the legislature. You can see who now represents you following the November elections by going to the ABI supported website IAVOTES.com and entering your facility address. Nothing is more important to the success of the ABI agenda than your relationship with your elected officials. ABI encourages you to meet and host your local elected officials and let them know what you do for your community. Staff stands ready to facilitate in any way to make that possible. Simply reach out to JD Davis at jddavis@iowaabi.org.

Finally, ABI brings members of the legislative and executive branches to you in the largest reception of the legislative session during the first week they meet. Make your plans now if you have not already done so. The event will be held the afternoon of January 15, 2025, starting with a legislative briefing by ABI staff followed by a reception with policymakers. For details go to the ABI website at iowaabi.org/events.