Capitol Notebook: Iowa Rep. Mike Sexton accepts position in federal agriculture department

DES MOINES — Iowa state lawmaker Mike Sexton has been appointed state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Iowa Rural Development office, the agency announced Friday.

Sexton, a Republican from Rockwell City and a fourth-generation farmer, resigned his seat in the Iowa House to accept the position, House Republicans announced.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of my constituents over these years, and for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues to advance meaningful legislation,” Sexton said in a press release from Iowa House Republicans. “I carry with me immense gratitude for the experiences, relationships, and progress we’ve achieved together.”

Sexton’s appointment was among a dozen appointments — at both the national and state office level — announced Friday by USDA.

The agency’s Rural Development offices provide financial resources and support to rural communities, residents and businesses via loans and grants that encourage home ownership, business growth and community well-being, according to the agency’s website.

“Today’s new USDA presidential appointments will help carry forward the important work of serving the people who feed and fuel our country, delivering real results for rural America, putting our Farmers First,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a press release. “Together, we will continue to strengthen our food supply, protect our family farms, and ensure USDA is working on behalf of the American people. I welcome this latest group of appointees and look forward to working together.”

Sexton was serving his sixth two-year term in the Iowa House; he was first elected in 2014. Before that, he served one four-year term in the Iowa Senate, from 1999 to 2002. He chaired the House Agriculture Committee from 2023 through 2025.

A special election will be held to replace Sexton in the Iowa House. The date for that special election will be set by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

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