Iowa Democratic Party Chair Ross Wilburn won’t seek reelection

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Ross Wilburn announced Saturday he won’t run for reelection.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair and State Rep. Ross Wilburn.

“After much reflection, I’ve decided that I will not be seeking another term as Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. My service to the people of Iowa continues, but it is time to pass the torch.”

“As the leader of the party, I have worked to stem external threats, listened to those who have felt left behind and managed expectations about what we could do with the resources at our disposal.”

“No one can predict the future. But I have the utmost faith that whoever takes up the mantle next will guide our party with grace through the challenges ahead, as we all continue to work on growing our party and electing Democrats who will fight for the ideas we know are supported by a strong majority of Iowans.”

Advertisement
Advertisement

“My work will continue next month at the state legislature, where I will join my colleagues on the front lines battling against the most extreme legislation that could drastically change our state and harm Iowans.”

“No matter what, I will always put people before politics. If we want to make Iowa a place where folks want to live, work and raise a family, we have a lot of work to do and I’m in this for the long haul.”

“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve as the first African American Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. While I may be moving on from this position, I will continue to assist our party as much as I can as we fight for a better future,” Wilburn, a State Representative, said Saturday in a press release. #iowa #ialegis #blackiowanews

Author

Dana James is an award-winning writer who founded Black Iowa News in 2020 and the Black Iowa Newspaper in 2023. Born and raised in Des Moines, Dana tells stories that center Black Iowans’ lived experiences and amplify their voices. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Grand View University. She serves as secretary of the Iowa Association of Black Journalists.