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
Campaigns & Elections Oct. 29, 2024 1:35 pm412d ago
An attorney for Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ campaign has urged the University of Iowa to take action over an apparent trademark infringement by Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan.
State Government Oct. 22, 2024 2:10 pm419d ago
Attorneys representing Iowa teachers and students have filed a new request asking a federal district court again block an Iowa law that has resulted in the removal of hundreds of books from Iowa public schools, including literary classics and those by Nobel Prize winners.
Campaigns & Elections Oct. 21, 2024 5:00 am420d ago
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar were in Iowa this weekend to campaign for candidates in Iowa’s 1st and 3rd Congressional districts.
Campaigns & Elections Oct. 21, 2024 7:44 am420d ago
Hinson, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, said her top priority is reducing inflation by slowing government growth and spending, reducing taxes and “regulatory burdens” on small businesses.
Campaigns & Elections Oct. 21, 2024 7:42 am420d ago
Democrat Sarah Corkery challenges incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson in Iowa’s 2nd District.
Campaigns & Elections Oct. 21, 2024 7:48 am420d ago
Jody Puffett will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, alongside Republican incumbent Ashley Hinson and Democrat Sarah Corkery
Campaigns & Elections Oct. 16, 2024 3:41 pm424d ago
The campaign contributor, Iowa Board of Regents member David Barker, said he is not involved in the day-to-day operations at Indian Ridge Apartments and was unaware the Republican incumbent was living there.
Campaigns & Elections Oct. 16, 2024 11:17 am425d ago
Two of the three candidates on the ballot in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District sparred over abortion rights, immigration enforcement and more in a televised debate Monday night.
News Oct. 13, 2024 6:00 am428d ago
The Iowa City Police Department recently launched its first-ever crisis co-responder team, pairing an officer with a mental health liaison to de-escalate crises, provide on-scene support, and connect individuals to essential services.
State Government Oct. 11, 2024 4:35 pm429d ago
Justices send case back to district court for further proceedings
Government & Politics Oct. 14, 2024 8:32 am427d ago
Despite facts to the contrary and pushback from within their own party, Iowa Republican U.S. House members this week pushed disproved claims implying the federal government lacks the resources to respond to devastating hurricanes across the southeast because it has spent money on migrants.
News Oct. 9, 2024 8:02 am432d ago
Workers at Cargill’s corn milling plant in Cedar Rapids have been on strike for a week after the local Teamsters union voted to decline the company's last offer.
State Government Oct. 7, 2024 12:58 pm434d ago
Union leaders called on the state officials to provide more funding, better pay and more staffing as well as restore bargaining rights to correctional officers in the wake of the latest inmate attack at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison.
State Government Oct. 4, 2024 7:35 am437d ago
The state commission has previously rejected two proposals to bring a casino to Cedar Rapids, citing concerns about cannibalizing revenues from other Iowa casinos.
State Government Oct. 3, 2024 8:02 am438d ago
A former Tama County conservation director used public funds for personal purchases, including a fuel pump, ammunition and home remodeling materials, according to a state audit published Wednesday.

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