Article Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch: Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver speaks with reporters during a 2020 news conference introducing new Senate leadership. (Photo by Linh Ta/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
(Des Moines) Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver announced Tuesday he is stepping down from the leadership position and will not seek reelection in 2026.
Whitver, a 45-year-old from Grimes, was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2011. He took leadership roles as Republicans took control of the chamber, becoming Senate president in 2016 and Senate majority leader in 2018.
In recent years, he has faced health struggles. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2024 following the legislative session, beginning a treatment plan and radiation therapy. While Whitver has shared updates that his treatment has shown positive progress, he said in Tuesday’s announcement, “I still have a long way to go,” and his treatment is ongoing.
Whitver reflected on his time in office, saying he started campaigning “hours after my oldest daughter was born” — on the issues of lowering taxes and making it easier to start a business and family in Iowa. Now that his daughter is old enough to drive, he said, the Iowa Legislature has tackled the issues he came into office to address.
“I believe I have accomplished my goals,” Whitver said. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished in limiting government, controlling spending, reducing taxes and expanding the rights and freedoms of the people of this great state.”
Several Republican leaders thanked Whitver for his service in the state Legislature on Tuesday after his announcement. Gov. Kim Reynolds said Whitver became leader during her first legislative session as governor in 2018, and “it was under Jack’s leadership that we passed the largest income tax cuts in state history, reformed state government, protected the unborn, gave parents choice in their child’s education, and so much more.”
“Jack is the most transformative Senate Majority Leader Iowa has seen in the modern era—perhaps ever,” Reynolds said in a statement. “His leadership will leave a legacy of stronger communities, more opportunity, and a better quality of life for all Iowans.”
Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement that Whitver was a “tremendous leader for our party and for the people of Iowa.”
“He has helped usher in a new way of governance in Iowa, one that puts taxpayers first and ensures Iowa families come out on top,” Kaufmann said. “Beyond his achievements in politics and policy, Jack is a devoted husband, father, and friend. While his leadership will be missed at the Capitol, I am grateful he will be able to devote more time to his family, and I know his impact on Iowa will continue for years to come.”
Whitver will continue to serve as leader until Iowa Senate Republicans — who retain majority control, but lost their supermajority hold on the chamber in recent special elections — meet to select a new leader in the “near future,” according to the Senate GOP’s news release. Whitver’s announcement also means Iowa Senate District 23 will have an open seat in the 2026 election.
“My work in the Senate may be coming to a close, but my commitment to making Iowa the best state in the country will always be a part of my life,” Whitver said.
The legislative leader’s announcement has added to the long list of retirements and shake-ups in Iowa politics heading into 2026. At the Statehouse, Reynolds has also announced she will not seek another term in 2026, and former Iowa House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl announced he would step down from his leadership role while pursuing a bid for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. Former Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst also stepped down from her position leading the Democratic House caucus as she is running for Iowa’s 3rd District in 2026.
At the federal level, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst announced earlier in September that she will not run for reelection. Two of Iowa’s U.S. House seats will also be open in 2026 as U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson runs for the now-open Senate seat, and U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra has an “exploratory committee” launched to run for governor.
