Wahls makes labor core tenet of U.S. Senate campaign

CEDAR RAPIDS — U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls, a state legislator from Coralville, is connecting with union workers and reaffirming his support for the federal PRO Act and expanded labor rights as he looks to distinguish himself ahead of the Democratic primary election next summer.

Wahls, serving his second term as a Democrat in the Iowa Senate, has made labor a core tenet of his U.S. Senate campaign. If elected he said he plans to work to raise the federal minimum wage to $15, eliminate taxes on tips, and ensure access to social security and Medicaid benefits.

“There is no doubt that labor is going to play an absolutely vital role, not just in this primary election, but in this general election … I'm going to work every single day just as hard as the Iowans who work day in day out to make the state better. That starts with their building and construction trades partners,” said Wahls.

Wahls also vowed to support passage of the PRO (Protecting the Right to Organize) Act. The legislation, which looks to expand workers’ rights to unionize and bargain, and would institute other labor protections, passed the U.S. House in 2021, but did not have the votes to pass the Senate.

“It's an absolutely vital piece of legislation that would make it much easier for Iowa workers to organize in the workplace and to win fair contracts so they can actually collectively negotiate for fair wages, better benefits and safer workplace conditions,” said Wahls.

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Wahls earns endorsement of local iron workers union

Iron workers Local 89, based out of Cedar Rapids, has formally endorsed Wahls 10 months out from the primary election. Local 89, one of five iron worker unions across the state, represents iron workers in Eastern Iowa and runs an apprenticeship program.

“Zach has proved himself as a champion for his for the working family and iron workers know he will never waiver in the fight for a better wage and secure retirement and the right of workers collective bargaining, we're proud to fight alongside Zach Wahls in this election,” said Seth Gorman, business manager for Local 89.

Wahls said earning the first endorsement from a local union in this campaign is meaningful after growing up in a labor household. His mother, Jackie, was a member of the Service Employees International Union.

“I have seen firsthand the difference that it makes for workers to be able to collectively organize to bargain for fair wages, safer working conditions, better benefits and a good contract … For far too long, there have been too many politicians of both parties who have taken the support of Iowa's working families for granted, and we are never, ever going to do that in this campaign,” said Wahls.

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Three other democrats running for U.S. Senate seat

The other Democrats running in Iowa’s U.S. Senate election are Des Moines school board member Jackie Norris, former chamber of commerce leader Nathan Sage of Indianola, and Democratic state legislator Josh Turek.

JD Scholten, a state lawmaker from Sioux City, announced Monday he was dropping out of the race and endorsed Turek.

Incumbent Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst has not yet said whether she plans to run for re-election, but she has hired a campaign manager and she recently said an announcement is coming soon.

Iowa’s 2026 primary election is June 2.

Wahls also has earned endorsements from Eastern Iowa congressman Dave Loebsack and former Iowa lieutenant governor and agriculture secretary Patty Judge, as well as state Sen. Liz Bennett of Cedar Rapids, former state Sen. Liz Mathis of Hiawatha, former presidential candidate and national Democratic Party chairman Howard Dean and former University of Iowa and professional football player Tim Dwight.

Wahls’ campaign said the list of endorsements includes Republicans and no-party voters as well as Democrats.

Comments: megan.woolard@thegazette.com

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