The Iowa Democratic Party is facing a greater disadvantage this legislative session as voters across the state largely favored Republican candidates. With the session set to begin on Monday, the Republican party is returning to the Capitol with a greater majority than they had during last year’s session.

As the 2025 legislative session begins, new leaders of the Iowa House and Senate will shepherd legislation and handle the behind-the-scenes administrative work in the Iowa Capitol. Iowa Republicans grew its legislative majority with the November election, taking a 67-33 advantage in the Iowa House and a 34-15 lead in the Iowa Senate.

Iowa legislature convenes Monday and Republicans have kept their House and Senate leadership teams in place. House Democrats will have the same leader, but there’s a new Senate Minority Leader. Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner is entering her third year as a state senator,