New Republican leader chosen for Iowa Senate

DES MOINES — Iowa Sen. Mike Klimesh, of Spillville, is the new legislative agenda-setting leader of the Iowa Senate, as selected by his Republican colleagues Wednesday, Senate Republicans announced.

In becoming the new Senate Majority Leader, Klimesh replaces Sen. Jack Whitver, of Grimes, who resigned from the post earlier this month.

The Iowa Senate Majority leader is chosen by the majority party’s members and leads the body’s legislative agenda. Republicans hold a 33-17 majority in the Iowa Senate.

“Leading a deep and talented group of senators is an honor, and with that honor comes a great responsibility,” Klimesh said in a press release. “I want to thank Jack for his years of service, his exceptional example as a leader, and most of all for his friendship. I can’t imagine anyone leaving behind bigger shoes to fill.”

Klimesh, 56, has served in the Iowa Senate since 2021. He represents Northeast Iowa’s Senate District 32, which covers Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee and Clayton counties, and small portions of Fayette and Dubuque counties.

Klimesh is a graduate of South Winneshiek High School and Luther College. He is married, managed a printing company for 20 years, and served for 22 years as mayor of Spillville.

“I look forward to leading this caucus and continuing to implement our agenda to reduce taxes, making it more affordable to live in Iowa, reduce barriers to work and invest in this state, expand the economy, and return Iowa schools to their status as the best in the country,” Klimesh said in the press release.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds congratulated Klimesh in a statement.

“Sen. Klimesh’s influence in the Senate has steadily grown over the last four years, and I’m confident in his ability to successfully lead the Senate,” Reynolds said. “I look forward to working with him in the upcoming legislative session to further our conservative agenda and build upon our years of success.”

Sen. Janice Weiner, a Democrat from Iowa City who leads the minority party Democrats in the Senate, also issued a statement congratulating Klimesh and thanking Whitver.

“I am hopeful that we can find ways to work together to deliver for and truly improve the lives of all Iowans in the bipartisan manner they expect from us,” Weiner said. “I also want to thank Sen. Jack Whitver for his steadfast commitment to public service. A leadership role at the Capitol is not an easy task, especially while dealing with the heavy burden of illness. I look forward to continuing to serve with him.”

Whitver announced earlier this month his intention to resign as Senate Majority Leader while completing his four-year term, which ends next year. Whitver, who has been battling a brain tumor for more than a year, said in a press release that he made the decision based on family considerations and his health.

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