Iowa Dem leader elected to national legislative committee

Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, a Democrat from Windsor Heights, has been tapped to join the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee's board of directors, the group announced this week.

The committee, part of the national Democratic Party, is focused on electing Democrats to state legislatures across the country. The committee's board members advise on strategy and organization and represent the committee's work to the media and donors, the committee said in a news release.

“There has never been a more important time to get involved in state legislative races, and I’m thrilled to join the ranks of the DLCC Board now," Konfrst said in a statement. "Building power in states like Iowa must be part of Democrats’ long-term strategy.”

Iowa Democrats have lost seats in both chambers of the state Legislature for the past two election cycles. They have not held a majority in either chamber since 2016, when Republicans flipped the Senate.

Joining Konfrst as new members on the DLCC board are North Carolina House Democratic Leader Robert Reives and California Sen. Monique Limón, the committee said.

Zach Nunn raises $2.4M in 2023

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican from central Iowa, announced this week he raised more than $2.4 million in 2023 and has more than $1.5 million in cash on hand.

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Nunn, a former Iowa state senator from Bondurant, is in his first term representing Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. He defeated incumbent Democrat Cindy Axne to win the seat in 2022.

Multiple Democrats have announced their candidacy to challenge him in what is expected to be a highly competitive election in November.

“With more than $2.4 million raised and already locking in significant endorsements to support his re-election, it is clear that Iowans want Zach Nunn to continue to represent them in DC,” Nunn campaign manager Kendyl Parker said in a statement.

“Zach Nunn ran for Congress with a goal to help Iowa families, and in his first year in office, he has done just that. Zach will remain focused on listening to all Iowans' priorities and bringing Iowa common sense to our nation’s capital every day.”

New Politics endorses Lanon Baccam

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A political group that endorses veterans for office has endorsed Lanon Baccam, a Democrat running for Congress in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District.

New Politics announced the endorsement Thursday. The group mostly endorses Democrats, but it also lists Republicans among its endorsements.

According to its website, New Politics is "working toward electing a new generation of political leadership by helping service-oriented leaders run for public office."

Baccam, a National Guard veteran, announced his campaign for Congress in November, drawing endorsements from many of the state's top Democrats. Baccam worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Tom Vilsack in both the Biden and Obama administrations.

The 3rd District is represented by Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican and former state senator. Nunn served in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard.

Melissa Vine, a Des Moines nonprofit leader, also is running in the Democratic primary to represent the district.

Senate GOP leader raises $467,000

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Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, a Republican from Grimes, announced Friday he raised $467,825 in 2023. The money is a record for a legislative leader in a non-election year, according to the Iowa GOP.

Whitver is going into 2024 with $587,317 in cash on hand.

Senate Republicans won a two-thirds supermajority in 2022, increasing their seats in the 50-person chamber to 34.

"The investments from so many Iowans into my campaign shows broad support for our agenda," Whitver said. "We will continue to deliver pro-growth results for Iowans this session.

“The 2024 elections will be another opportunity for Senate Republicans to share our vision with voters. I look forward to working with our senators and candidates to have another successful election cycle."