DUBUQUE, Iowa — Iowa Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, announced Friday that she will not run for reelection in 2024.
“As I bid farewell to the honor of serving Dubuque in the Iowa Senate, I want to thank the people of Dubuque for the honor and privilege of serving them and our community in the Iowa Legislature," Jochum said in a statement. "It’s truly been an honor that words do not adequately express."
Jochum was first elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1993 and has served in different capacities in the Iowa House and Senate ever since. Most recently, Jochum was unanimously elected as Senate Minority Leader by her peers in June 2023 after Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, was ousted from the role.
Reflecting on her time in office, Jochum highlighted her greatest accomplishments, including the expansion of Medicaid, the creation of the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan and the expansion of voter registration.
However, in choosing not to run for reelection, Jochum believes she is "creating space for fresh perspectives to guide our state forward."
Jochum will remain in her role for the current legislative session before a new lawmaker is elected to fill her seat. In the future, Jochum hopes to still play a role in pushing for a better future.
"As I step back from elected office, my commitment to fighting for a better deal for Iowans remains steadfast," she said. "I look forward to supporting the incoming Senate Democrats as they continue the journey toward an Iowa with more freedom, opportunity, and accountability.”