116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Tom Barton
I am The Gazette’s deputy Des Moines bureau chief covering Iowa politics, including the Iowa Legislature and campaigns. I was born and raised in Davenport and have previously worked for papers covering local and state government and politics in Iowa and South Carolina, including Dubuque and the Quad-Cities. I’m an Iowa State graduate and a die-hard Cyclone fan. When not reporting, you can likely find me on the golf course, burning something in the kitchen and nerding out about Star Wars with Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy.
Latest Articles by Tom Barton
State Government Jun. 6, 2023 7:49 pm1d ago
The federal judge ruled that Florida had no "legitimate state interest“ for denying treatment for transgender patients.
State Government Jun. 5, 2023 6:28 pm2d ago
As Iowa struggles with a provider shortage, state and federal lawmakers seek to expand access to midwives to improve maternal health care.
Campaigns & Elections Jun. 3, 2023 5:43 pm4d ago
Eight GOP White House hopefuls roasted Biden and revved up their campaigns at Joni Ernst’s annual fundraiser
Campaigns & Elections Jun. 3, 2023 5:43 pm4d ago
Almost all of the major Republican presidential hopefuls -- except former President Donald Trump -- addressed roughly 900 Iowans on Saturday at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
State Government Jun. 1, 2023 6:32 pm6d ago
Here’s how your tax dollars will be spent in the coming fiscal year
State Government Jun. 2, 2023 1:57 pm5d ago
Iowa’s taxpayer watchdog will face new restrictions on his office’s ability to access certain records when auditing government programs for waste, fraud and abuse.
Government & Politics Jun. 1, 2023 3:01 pm6d ago
All four of Iowa's Republican representatives voted late Wednesday in favor of
Campaigns & Elections Jun. 1, 2023 4:18 pm6d ago
In his first visit to Cedar Rapids as a declared presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis repeatedly framed Iowa and Florida as partners in a Republican battle to “restore sanity.” Be that prohibiting instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools, or banning gender-affirming care for minors and abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
Government & Politics May. 31, 2023 4:53 pm7d ago
Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley told reporters he is still on the fence over a deal to raise the nation’s debt ceiling to avoid a destructive default.
State Government May. 31, 2023 4:02 pm7d ago
Iowa families can begin signing up today, for a new state-funded private school financial assistance program.
State Government May. 30, 2023 7:18 pm8d ago
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday that she plans to send about 100 Iowa National Guard soldiers and 30 law enforcement officers to Texas to assist with border security between the United States and Mexico.
State Government May. 30, 2023 6:00 am9d ago
The Iowa Department of Transportation is working with Autobase in the Iowa City area testing drone use to help monitor and safely and efficiently redirect traffic around wrecks, temporary road closures and construction.
State Government May. 25, 2023 5:19 pm13d ago
Iowa will spend $150,000 to pilot a program aimed at decreasing emergency response times in rural areas.
Government & Politics May. 26, 2023 7:23 am13d ago
Transportation secretary stopped at the Eastern Iowa Airport on Thursday to highlight federal investments he said will make for a better passenger experience and support job growth.
State Government May. 25, 2023 6:00 am14d ago
In order to claim the new tax exemption, seniors must file applications with their local assessor offices on or before July 1.