Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver will step down from his leadership position and will not seek reelection in 2026, he announced Tuesday, citing treatment for a brain tumor and his busy family life.
The Republican from the Des Moines suburbs was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2011 and has held the chamber’s top leadership position since 2018.
Whitver said he first ran for the Iowa Senate after his oldest daughter was born.
“My oldest daughter is now driving, and my three children are very active, making family life busier than ever,” he said in a statement. “I continue to battle a brain tumor, and while progress remains positive, I still have a long way to go. 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.”
“I continue to battle a brain tumor, and while progress remains positive, I still have a long way to go."Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver
Whitver announced in May of 2024 that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
He will continue to serve as majority leader until Senate Republicans meet to vote for a new leader.
“I ran [for Senate] because taxes were too high, and I wanted to make it easier to work, start a business and raise a family in Iowa,” Whitver said. “I believe I have accomplished my goals. 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 in this great state.”
He also highlighted the expansion of gun rights, the state’s ban on most abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy, restrictions for transgender people related to sports and bathrooms, changes to public assistance programs and an overhaul of election laws.
While Whitver was majority leader, the Republican majority in the Iowa Senate grew from 29 seats to a 35-member supermajority. Democrats have since won two special elections, leaving the balance of power in the Senate at 33 Republicans and 17 Democrats.
Gov. Kim Reynolds said Whitver's announcement of his retirement "is both admirable and bittersweet."
She said Whitver, who became majority leader during her first legislative session as governor, was a partner who made things happen. Reynolds credited him with passing sweeping income tax cuts, school choice legislation, and abortion restrictions.
"Jack is the most transformative Senate Majority Leader Iowa has seen in the modern era—perhaps ever," she said. "His leadership will leave a legacy of stronger communities, more opportunity, and a better quality of life for all Iowans."
Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said Whitver has made the Iowa Senate one of the strongest conservative legislative chambers in the country.
"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."
Fourth District Congressman Randy Feenstra, who is exploring a run for governor, said Whitver has been a tremendous leader.
"His record of accomplishment, delivering conservative victories for the people of Iowa is unmatched at the Statehouse," he said. "Jack's leadership will be sorely missed. He is in our prayers as he continues his courageous health battle. Jack's a winner and I know he has one more victory in him."
This story was updated Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 9:09 a.m. to include reaction from Iowa political leaders.
