In a landmark victory with national implications, Democrat Angelina Ramirez has won a special election in Iowa’s House District 78, becoming the first Latina elected to the Iowa Legislature. Her decisive 79% to 21% win over Republican Bernie Hayes, according to unofficial results, not only kept the seat in Democratic hands, it also delivered a clear message about the power of grassroots engagement, progressive values, and community-centered campaigning.
“I am so honored to be elected as the first Latina elected in the Iowa State Legislature,” Ramirez said in her victory statement. “Progress isn’t partisan. Fully funded schools, access to healthcare, clean air and water, these are Iowa values. I believe every Iowan, no matter their zip code or background, deserves dignity, opportunity, and justice. I am looking forward to advocating for these values in the House!”
How Angelina Ramirez’s Victory in Iowa Offers a Winning Blueprint for Democrats in 2026
Though House Republicans maintain a 67-33 supermajority in Iowa, Ramirez’s victory holds crucial lessons for Democrats across the country as they prepare for the 2026 midterms:
Run Authentic, Local Candidates: Ramirez, 25, is not a career politician, she’s a first-generation college graduate, the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, and a community organizer who stayed in Cedar Rapids after earning degrees in political science and social and criminal justice at Coe College. Her deep roots and record of local activism made her a trusted advocate.
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart emphasized this point: “The scale of our victory tonight shows that as long as Democrats run candidates who understand and fight for their communities, we can win elections across the state.”
Center Core Issues that Transcend Party Lines: Ramirez’s platform included boosting public school funding, expanding access to healthcare and affordable housing, defending labor rights, and addressing civil rights. These are broadly popular across political lines, especially in local and state races.
Invest in Ground-Level Organizing: Despite a short campaign window, Ramirez’s team out-fundraised her opponent nearly 12-to-1, bringing in $12,695 to Hayes’s $1,050. She earned endorsements from major labor groups like the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO and the Iowa State Education Association, and local leaders including state Sen. Liz Bennett, former state Sen. Rob Hogg, and former Rep. Sami Scheetz.
“Angel represents the future of Iowa, a leader rooted in our community, committed to education, opportunity, and making Iowa a place where young people want to build their lives,” Scheetz said.
Turn Social Advocacy into Political Momentum: Ramirez’s rise began with the racial justice movement following George Floyd’s murder in 2020. She became a peace facilitator in local schools and the executive director of Our Future, a nonprofit focused on youth leadership and climate education. Her work with Advocates for Social Justice and their “Kill the Racist Bills” campaign against DEI bans showcased her ability to translate protest into policy advocacy.
Angelina Ramirez Makes History in Iowa House Race, Bringing Latina Representation and Community Leadership to Des Moines
The District 78 seat includes downtown Cedar Rapids and surrounding neighborhoods. It was vacated by Democrat Sami Scheetz after he was appointed to the Linn County Board of Supervisors on April 1. With her win, Ramirez keeps the district in Democratic control through 2026.
Though her election marks a first for Latina representation in Iowa’s Legislature, Rep. Mark Cisneros, R-Muscatine, became the state’s first Latino lawmaker in 2020.
Ramirez’s campaign was powered by a clear message and community credibility. “You elected me to be your voice in Des Moines, and I will never forget that responsibility,” she said to supporters.
She’s no stranger to the Capitol, having worked as a Senate clerk for Sen. Hogg. Her campaign emphasized working for a future where all Iowans, regardless of background, have access to dignity, opportunity, and justice.
The Iowa Blueprint: How Democrats Can Win in 2026 by Following the Ramirez Model
As Democrats look toward the 2026 midterms, Ramirez’s victory provides a tangible model:
- Center candidates who reflect the communities they serve.
- Prioritize issue-based messaging rooted in lived experiences.
- Build coalitions between local leaders, labor groups, and grassroots organizations.
- Transform activism into sustainable civic leadership.
“There’s more work to be done, but tonight we can rest assured that things are looking a little brighter,” said Rita Hart. “We won this election in good shape. Tomorrow we get ready for the next.”
If Democrats heed the lessons of Iowa’s District 78, they may find that victory in unexpected places is not only possible—it’s within reach.