Election Update: Newly elected Black candidates  

From school boards to city councils, Black candidates succeeded in their election bids.

From the Des Moines School Board to Sioux City Council, candidates both new and reelected are looking forward to what they have to offer to Iowans, after Nov. 4 wins. Ruthina Malone was reelected for her third term on the Iowa City School Board and will be sworn in Dec. 9. She expressed surprise.

“I did not know whether [being reelected] was going to be possible because for school board members in Iowa City, they tend to do one term,” Malone says. “It has not been a recurring theme where board members do more than two terms. I feel honored that the community was willing to give me a third term, since we had some really great candidates run this year.”

Malone added: “One of the main things [I want to do] for this term is working with our staff, specifically our teaching staff. We want to ensure that we are providing them with what they need to be in our classrooms and that they feel supported, protected, understood, and heard.”

Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, who was reelected to the Des Moines School Board, shared the importance of three pillars.

“Through this position, I want to improve student outcomes and efficiencies within our districts, to involve our community and stakeholders who are a part of that process,” Mayberry-Mayes says. “And most importantly, to inspire our students and our teachers and let them know that they have support and that they have voices.”

In Sioux City, Ike Rayford, became a part of the city council. This was his first time running for city council, and he says he is committed to progress, transparency and community growth.

“My focus is on strengthening neighborhoods, supporting small businesses and ensuring responsible city leadership,” he said. “I plan to work collaboratively with fellow council members, community partners and residents to make Sioux City a place where opportunity is accessible to all. That means addressing infrastructure needs, encouraging local economic development, and building a culture of accountability and inclusion in city government. This is about moving Sioux City forward.”

In Waterloo, Mayor Quentin Hart will face a special runoff election on Dec. 2.

Black Iowa News was not able to reach all Black winners.

This story appeared in the November edition of the Black Iowa Newspaper.