Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum will not seek reelection in 2024

Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum announced Friday she will not seek reelection in 2024.

Jochum, of Dubuque, was first elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1993, serving in House the for eight terms before her election to the Senate in 2008. During her four terms as senator, she served as Senate president in 2013 when Democrats held the Senate majority and took up the role of Senate minority leader in 2023, replacing Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville.

In the release announcing her decision, Jochum thanked the people of Dubuque for electing her to serve at the Statehouse.

“While I am not running for reelection, I am still committed to delivering a better deal for all Iowans,” she said in a statement. “As the Leader of the Iowa Senate Democrats, I am confident we will secure Democratic victories across the state.”

Democrats hold a minority in both chambers of the Legislature, and Auditor of State Rob Sand is the only Democrat to currently hold a statewide elected office. Jochum said she plans to work toward getting more Democrats elected in the November election, and she is focused on bringing younger people into state politics.

“I am excited to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders who will champion a brighter future for Iowa,” Jochum said. “Opting not to seek reelection to Senate District 36, I am creating space for fresh perspectives to guide our state forward.”

Jochum also highlighted policy achievements she worked to accomplish during her time at the Statehouse, including the creation of the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAP) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (HAWK-I) providing health care support, as well as educational projects like Iowa’s Early Education Program for 4-year-old children.

She thanked her colleagues, family and voters for their support during her time in office.

“As I step back from elected office, my commitment to fighting for a better deal for Iowans remains steadfast,” Jochum said. “I look forward to supporting the incoming Senate Democrats as they continue the journey toward an Iowa with more freedom, opportunity, and accountability.”