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Whitver, Iowa Senate Republican leader, reveals brain tumor diagnosis
The 43-year-old Whitver says he is undergoing radiation treatments and does not plan to step down from his leadership in the Iowa Legislature
May. 17, 2024 2:22 pm, Updated: May. 17, 2024 5:08 pm
DES MOINES — Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver was diagnosed with a brain tumor last month and is undergoing radiation treatments, he said Friday.
Whitver, a 43-year-old Republican from Grimes, does not plan to step down from his leadership role and will remain in the Iowa Senate during treatment, he said in a news release.
Whitver said he was diagnosed with the tumor after the 2024 legislative session ended April 19. He said his physicians have begun a treatment plan that includes radiation therapy.
“I am responding well to the initial treatments and am grateful for my medical team,” Whitver said in a statement.
Whitver, a former Iowa State University football player, was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2011 and became Senate majority leader in 2018. In that position, he is largely responsible for setting the legislative agenda in the Iowa Senate, where Republicans hold the majority.
As majority leader, Whitver also is responsible for guiding Iowa Senate Republicans through their elections. There are 26 Senate Republican seats — either incumbents, challengers or in open-seat races — with a Democratic opponent in this fall’s general election.
“I appreciate the kind words and prayers my family and I have received,” Whitver said in the statement. “We ask for continued prayer and support as we continue this treatment.”
Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a statement expressing support for Whitver in his recovery.
Reynolds’ husband, Iowa first gentleman Kevin Reynolds, in October was diagnosed with lung cancer, for which he has received radiation treatment.
“Jack Whitver is a strong and capable leader, and a good friend. I admire and support his decision to remain in his role while undergoing treatment, and I am confident in his ability to do so,” Reynolds said in her statement. “Kevin and I know this path well, and also the incredible advancements that have been made with treatment. We pray for (Whitver’s) full recovery, for his wife Rachel and their children, and for his medical team. I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of Iowans.”
Whitver’s Democratic counterpart in Senate leadership, Iowa Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum, a Democrat from Dubuque, also issued a statement in support of Whitver.
“My Senate Democratic colleagues and I are very saddened to hear the news of Senator Whitver’s current medical challenge. Jack is a proven fighter, and if anyone is prepared to face the challenge ahead, it’s Jack,” Jochum said. “We will continue to keep Jack and his family in our prayers and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
Also expressing their support via public statements or social media posts Friday were Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley, Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn and Ashley Hinson, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann, Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, and former Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer.
The 2024 general election is Nov. 5, and the next session of the Iowa Legislature will start Jan. 5, 2025.
Comments: (515) 355-1300, erin.murphy@thegazette.com
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