The Iowa House Minority Leader announced Wednesday he is stepping down from his position as leader of the chamber’s Democrats.
Rep. Todd Prichard, D-Charles City, has led the House Democrats for nearly three years.
“It’s been a great honor to serve as leader of the Iowa House Democrats the last three years,” Prichard said in a statement. “After conversations with my family, it’s time for me to step aside and allow a new member of our caucus to lead.”
Democrats saw the 2020 election as their chance to gain control of the House of Representatives. But House Republicans expanded their majority, leaving Democrats with little say in what bills get passed in the legislature.
Prichard and other Democratic leaders put together an agenda for this year’s legislative session focused on building the state back up from the pandemic. But Republican leaders refused to advance their proposals.
“I know my [House Democratic] caucus will continue to hold Gov. Reynolds and Republican lawmakers accountable and fight for common sense, progressive values at the Statehouse,” Prichard said.
House Democrats are scheduled to choose a new leader on June 14.
Prichard will serve out his fifth term as a state representative through next year, according to a news release. He is also a business owner, an attorney and a Lt. Col. in the Army Reserves.
