Iowa Legislative Leaders Elected; New House Minority Leader to be Selected

November 15, 2018

Following the November elections, the majority and minority parties in both the House and Senate hold elections within their caucuses to determine leadership posts in each respective party. Each party caucus met last week to determine leadership positions. Besides the House Democrats, the top leadership posts will remain the same as they were at the end of the 2018 legislative session. In the Senate, Jack Whitver (R-Ankeny) was re-elected as Majority Leader. Charles Schneider (R-West Des Moines) will continue in his capacity as President. Senator Janet Petersen (D-Des Moines) will remain in her role as Minority Leader. On the House side, Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) was re-elected Speaker and Chris Hagenow (R-Urbandale) will continue to serve as Majority Leader. The House Democrats are expected to select their new leader when they caucus Saturday after Rep. Mark Smith (D-Marshalltown) announced he will not seek the post for the 2019 session. Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Lee Hein (R-Monticello), was named House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Wednesday. Expect to see additional committee chair appointments in December for both the House and Senate.