Iowa House Republicans Elect New Leaders

This content was published prior to the combination of Dentons Davis Brown. Learn more about Dentons Davis Brown.

On Monday, October 7, 2019, the Iowa House Republicans held leadership elections triggered by Rep. Linda Upmeyer’s announcement that she would step down as Speaker and not seek re-election in 2020.

The office of Speaker of the House is one that must be voted on by the whole House, not just the majority caucus, therefore Speaker Upmeyer will officially remain in the role until the General Assembly convenes in January and the chamber can vote on her successor.

Here are the results of yesterday’s leadership election:

1. House Speaker — Rep. Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford) was elected to replace Rep. Linda Upmeyer as Speaker of the House.  Grassley will serve as the Speaker-elect until the General Assembly reconvenes when the full chamber will officially vote.  Grassley defeated then House Majority Leader Rep. Chris Hagenow (R-Urbandale).  Hagenow stepped down as Majority Leader after being defeated for Speaker.
2. House Majority Leader — Rep. Matt Windschitl (R-Missouri Valley) was elected (unopposed) to House Majority Leader, which was vacated by Rep. Chris Hagenow.
3. House Speaker Pro-Tem — Rep. John Wills (R-Spirit Lake) was elected (unopposed) to House Speaker Pro-Tem, which was vacated by Rep. Windschitl when he was elected to House Majority Leader.  Speaker Pro-Tem is another position elected by the full House so Rep. Wills will serve as the Speaker Pro-Tem-elect until the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

Next Steps:

• The House Appropriations Chairmanship is now vacant as a result of Rep. Grassley’s election to Speaker.  The new House Appropriations Committee will be chosen and announced shortly.
• New assistant leaders may also be appointed by Speaker-elect Grassley.
• New leadership staff is expected to be hired shortly.

The Iowa House Republicans released a statement announcing the results of the election.