Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau

Also in the Almanac, 17 current and former state lawmakers are endorsing Shannon Lundgren’s Congressional campaign.

Mark Kelly and Gabby Giffords, the married couple, who have both served in Congress and champion gun safety laws, will speak at the Iowa Democratic Party’s 2025 Liberty and Justice Celebration.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernt’s annual Roast and Ride event features a motorcycle ride — the proceeds from which benefit an Iowa veterans-related charity — and a hog roast and rally.

A day after launching her campaign for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, state Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, rolled out more endorsements from current and former Republican colleagues in the Iowa Legislature.

The special election in Iowa House District 7 will be the fifth for a seat in the Iowa Legislature since January.

The ads are part of a $3.2 million campaign, according to a spokeswoman for the group. The ads focus on federal Republicans’ legislation that eliminated taxes on tips and overtime pay.

In today’s Campaign Almanac, House Democrats’ super PAC is hitting Iowa U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn over tariffs and Medicaid cuts. Meanwhile, state GOP lawmaker Shannon Lundgren picks up early endorsements in her bid for Congress, and Democrat Lindsay James lands backing from Linn County Supervisor Sami Scheetz.

Also, Iowa auditor’s office earns top rating in external review

State agency says the person who died was an elderly adult with multiple underlying health conditions.

Rockwell City Republican resigns House seat to take job as state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Iowa Rural Development office.

“Senator Claire Celsi, our beloved wife, sister, mom, and grandma, has entered hospice care. Our family asks that you please respect our privacy during this difficult time,” Celsi’s family said in a statement issued through the Iowa Senate Democrats’ caucus spokesman.

Reynolds plus a 20-person Iowa delegation — including Iowa Agriculture Sec. Mike Naig, Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham, and Iowa agriculture, business and education leaders — completed the trade mission this past weekend.

Also in the Campaign Almanac, Democratic U.S. Senate candidates announce endorsements, a candidate for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District makes a fundraising announcement, and the League of Women Voters plans a candidate forum in Iowa City.

Also, more Republicans rally behind Ashley Hinson’s U.S. Senate campaign

Also, State Treasurer Roby Smith says state’s Pooled Money Fund has surpassed $1 billion in total earnings since he took office.