African American Elected Officials See Record Increase in Iowa

Being in the racial majority is not a requirement to hold public office. There are approximately 141,178 African Americans and 32,561 New Iowans of African descent. Of that, an estimated 89,151 are eligible to vote. When African Americans and people of African descent are elected to represent constituents in policy-making bodies, those typically under-represented constituents see results in the decision making policies that impact them. Though many non-Black elected officials strive to represent both minority and majority constituents, it is crucial for the well-being of our localities that governing bodies include people of color who bring a unique understanding of community issues and lived experiences. 

Data is stark in demonstrating the lack of representation of people of color let alone Blacks and African naturalized citizens in elected positions representing Iowa and Polk County. 

• Iowa has never nominated an African American candidate for either U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives. 

• Almo Hawkins was a candidate for Lt. Governor on the Jim Ross Lightfoot ticket in 1998, the only African American ever nominated for that position. 

• The first two African Americans were elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1964: Willie Glanton of Des Moines and James Jackson of Waterloo. 

• In 2018 Deidre DeJear became the first African American nominated for Secretary of State. DeJear went on in 2022 to become the first African American nominated for Governor. She is the first and only for both roles. 

• The first African American elected to the Iowa Senate was Thomas Mann, Jr. of Des Moines in 1982. 

• In 2024, Representative Ako Abdul-Samad made history as the longest-serving African American in the Iowa State Legislature, having been first elected in 2007. 

• Other first African Americans to serve in Polk County, city, or school district elected positions are: Nolden Gentry (Des Moines School Board), Preston Daniels (Des Moines Mayor) , Tom Baker (Polk County Supervisor), Renee Hardman (WDM City Council), Mary Wells (Polk County Treasurer) and Joseph Jones (Windsor Heights City Council). 

When this report originally published in 2017, there were 6 African American elected officials in Polk County. Today, in 2024, amongst the Iowa General Assembly Polk County delegation, the Polk County elected officials, city councils throughout Polk County, and all school boards in the county there are 16 African American elected officials. Six African Americans serve in the Iowa House of Representatives, and one member of the Iowa Senate, five of whom are from Des Moines. Since 2018, Polk County African American elected officials have more than doubled. 

From 2017 to 2021, a wave of intricate voting law changes swept across Iowa, marking a stark deviation from the historical Voting Rights Act of 1965. These changes, including stringent Voter ID requirements, reduced early voting days, mail-in ballot limitations and increased regulations on volunteer voter outreach, disproportionately affected African American voters. This sparked a vigorous voter education and mobilization effort within the communities most impacted. 

The response from community and advocacy groups was swift and strategic. Local organizations such as the NAACP, ACLU, League of Women Voters, The Links, Incorporated, alongside churches, and Black sororities and fraternities, amplified their efforts to engage voters. In 2019, the momentum was visible when the Des Moines Branch of the NAACP hosted an Economic Freedom Presidential Town Hall in collaboration with KCCI and the Des Moines Register, drawing attention with the presence of then-Senator Kamala Harris, Senator Bernie Sanders, then-Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Andrew Yang, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Beto O’Rourke, among others. These forums became a cornerstone for community collaboration and political discourse. 

Amidst this backdrop, Deidre DeJear's candidacy for Secretary of State stood out with its focus on voter education, channeling her campaign as a platform for civic engagement. Her message 'A Champion for Your Voice,' captured 46% of the vote in 2018, signaling a significant shift in voter sentiment and engagement. 

The push for increased African American representation gained further impetus in 2020, following the tragic murder of George Floyd. Organizations like Vision Leads intensified their commitment to guiding advocates towards meaningful roles on public boards and commissions. These efforts were pivotal in inspiring a new cadre of African American candidates and fostering participation in areas previously overlooked or underinvested in and doubled down in its commitment to voter education. 

Organizations such as the Coalition for Parents for Equity and Anti-Racism in Johnston took decisive action, developing detailed proposals for school districts to embrace inclusive education reforms, including Black History Month programming and anti-racist curricula. Despite encountering budgetary pushbacks, the steadfast determination of figures like Lya Williams and Tiara Mays-Sims, now serving on the local school board and the Iowa Heartland Area Education Agency board respectively, is emblematic of the community's resolution to effect change from within the system. 

Meanwhile, the Ankeny Community Network (ACN) championed multiculturalism and diversity, fostering civic engagement through various events and community-building initiatives. Deshara Bohanna, a former school board member, is among those who have been instrumental in these efforts, contributing to the growth of a politically conscious and active electorate. 

The impact of these organizations extended beyond electing black candidates; they also influenced the election of white candidates who aligned with their vision for equity and inclusion. For instance, Councilwoman Renee Hardman’s election in West Des Moines marked a significant milestone as the first Black council member, as she engaged with African American voters in a manner unprecedented in West Des Moines municipal elections, ensuring that their voices were heard and represented. 

The cumulative effect of voter registration drives at cultural events like 'I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa' and various statewide Juneteenth celebrations, alongside the influential role of black churches, sororities, fraternities and businesses in raising political awareness, cannot be overstated. These institutions have been pivotal in enhancing awareness and participation among African Americans in their communities. 

Despite institutional barriers, through concerted efforts to provide voter education, increase community involvement, and advocate for equitable representation, these grassroots movements have been crucial in more than doubling the presence of African American elected officials in Polk County. This illustrates a powerful shift towards inclusivity and representation in local governance, setting a precedent for the immediate and future political landscape.