By the numbers: Here's what the new Iowa Legislature looks like

DES MOINES — The most important numbers for Iowa's 87th General Assembly, which meets today for the first time, are 29 and 20.

Those are the respective numbers of Republicans and Democrats in the 50-member Iowa Senate, representing a change in political party control of the chamber for the first time since 2011 and a new power structure at the Capitol.

After the Nov. 8 election, Republicans now control the state's lawmaking agenda with a GOP governor and majorities in both the House and Senate.

One senator, Sen. David Johnson of Ocheyedan, left the GOP to became an independent over remarks from Donald Trump during the presidential campaign.

There are many other numbers that give us a glimpse into the Iowa Legislature and its 149 members. (A 150th will be added with a special election to fill a House seat in Davenport.)

14

There are 14 first-time members of both the Senate and House who will be sworn in this week. Of course, that number likely will increase to 15 in the House with the special election.

23

The age, as of the 2017 session's first day, of the Legislature's youngest member, Rep. Skyler Wheeler, a Republican from Orange City.

87

The age, as of the 2017 session's first day, of the Legislature's oldest member, Rep. Clel Baudler, a Republican from Greenfield.

54, 56

The average age of members of the Senate and House, respectively.

6

The number of women in the Senate, five of whom are Democrats. Amy Sinclair of Allerton is the only Republican woman in the Senate.

0

Racial minority members in the Senate. There are just five minority members in the House, all African-Americas and all Democrats. Minorities make up 13 percent of Iowa's population, according to census figures, but just 3 percent of its lawmaking body.

29

The number of farmers in the Legislature. The most-represented background is business/professional, with 66 members, or 44 percent. In both chambers, the top four careers are business/professional, farmer, retiree and educator.

126

The number of members with a college degree. That's 84 percent of all members.

26

The number of members who were not born in Iowa. The members born outside Iowa's borders hail from 13 different states.

John McGlothlen of The Gazette contributed to this report.