DES MOINES — The Iowa Democratic Party (IDP) State Central Committee (SCC) elected Rep. Ross Wilburn (House District 46) as the new IDP Chair by a majority vote. Chair Wilburn is from Davenport, and currently represents Ames in the state legislature.
In addition, the SCC elected a new slate of vice chairs and party officers, including re-electing June Owens as First Vice Chair, Tanner Halleran as Second Vice Chair, and Chris Adcock as Third Vice Chair. Treasurer Ken Sagar and Secretary Don Ruby were both re-elected to their positions.
The leadership elections are held every two years following the election cycle. The new party leaders will assume their roles immediately.
“I’m excited to get to work and lead Iowa Democrats for the next two years. With President Joe Biden, VP Kamala Harris, and DNC Chair Jaime Harrison at the top, Democrats are going to work tirelessly to bring people together, speak the truth, and build a more just society. We have aggressive plans to reinvigorate our party from the ground up and connect with more Iowans in communities small and large,“ said IDP Chair Ross Wilburn.
“Our new party leaders embody the values of the Democratic Party, and the future of our state is very bright with these folks leading our party,” said outgoing IDP Chair Mark Smith. “Chair Wilburn’s career of public service and dedication to making sure everyone has a seat at the table is rooted in the principles of our party. I know Chair Wilburn will continue to build our bench with compassion and inclusion to elect Democrats from Terrace Hill to Washington, D.C. who will be a voice for working families and equality. Congratulations to our new leaders, I look forward to fighting alongside you to turn our state blue.”
Rep. Ross Wilburn is a native of Davenport and graduated from Davenport Central High School. He served in the Iowa Army National Guard while attending the University of Iowa, and earned a degree in social work.
Wilburn is currently the State Representative in District 46, which covers part of Ames and Story County. He has also served on the city council, and as mayor of Iowa City.
In addition to serving as a lawmaker, Wilburn is the diversity officer and associate director for community economic development at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. He is also a member of the Iowa Legislature’s Black Caucus.
