What’s happening in Iowa

Indivisible groups statewide are taking action

By Martha Merson

If you ask what’s happening with the grassroots in Iowa, be prepared for 50 different answers. The state has 50 state senate districts, and each has its own Indivisible group. Some organize on Facebook. Some hold rallies. Others are meeting face-to-face with their elected officials. And the late January special election for Iowa’s state senate brought good news for Democrats.

One Iowa activist, Amy A., told me that Democrat Mike Zimmer’s victory in the January 2025 Iowa Senate District 35 special election proves what’s possible, even In a district that many assumed was out of reach.

Serving on the board of Indivisible Iowa, Amy offers a bird’s eye view of Iowa’s grassroots. An English teacher by training, Amy and a friend organized a women's action group in November 2016, ahead of the Inauguration weekend Women’s March. When she read an Indivisible Guide circulating online, she felt drawn to the purpose articulated in the simply written how-to guide.

Amy soon became co-lead for Indivisible Cedar Rapids. Like so many activists from the Class of 2016, she says, “I’ve met people whom I would never otherwise have known - people I respect and care for. We are actively involved in meetings, protests, and we attend legislative forums. I’ve stood next to lawmakers and fellow union members to defend collective bargaining rights and I’ve marched in Cedar Rapids with strangers to protect the ACA. Indivisible helped me build skills as an organizer.”

After 18 years in the classroom, Amy left her job, moved back to her hometown to take care of her father. From where she lives, a couple hours north of Des Moines, she supports Indivisible chapters. Here’s her take on what is happening.

Iowa, Amy says, has become fertile ground for harsh legislation, including one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the US. The federal appeals court recently overturned an inhumane immigration law approved last year by the Republican state legislature. In this post-2024 election moment, Indivisible leaders are reactivating their members in order to hold their House members accountable.

The day of the recent federal funding freeze, Indivisibles quickly mobilized. The Cedar Rapids group showed up — 60 strong — at the offices of Senators Joni Ernst and Charles Grassley and Representative Amy Hinson. In other areas, such as Dubuque and Ottumwa, Indivisible mobilized to visit Congressional offices. People across the state are calling lawmakers and showing up to legislative town halls and forums.

Others are planning ways to build the public’s awareness of politicians’ voting records. With a Republican trifecta and a fully Republican delegation to Congress, Iowa Democrats have cause to feel beleaguered, but Amy says people are hungry for representation and Iowans aren’t just sitting back.

We just had almost 50 people show up to remote office hours in Winterset Iowa for Congressman Zach Nunn's office.

In last month’s special election, for example, Mike Zimmer won with 52% in a district Trump won by a large margin. Iowa Senate Minority Leader Janice Wein told the Iowa Capital Dispatch, “Mike ran on a platform to help working Iowans get ahead, support public schools and teachers, and help lower the cost of living.”

Amy celebrated the news. “This win shows that Iowa isn’t out of reach for candidates and is a reminder that we can win in places that Trump won when a strong candidate, dedicated volunteers, and a powerful message come together.”

Amy’s group puts out a weekly Sunday newsletter. Each issue “highlights a call to action and a way to take care of yourself. The feedback we have heard is that our readers really appreciate the suggested actions. They help people focus, which is important because this administration wants us to feel overwhelmed and paralyzed.”

The newsletter has organized meetings across the state. Indivisible Iowa also convenes Zoom calls, including a Monday Sip and Chat. “Volunteers bring their favorite beverages,” Amy said. “We have the tools to navigate through this. What gets us in trouble is when we think it’s one thing that will solve all our issues. It’s a multi-faceted approach. We have to be having conversations, bringing people together because voters don’t always connect the dots between who they vote for and the services they value. With Indivisible this time, we expect to show up in person at the Chamber of Commerce and at the Lions Club.”

If the federal freeze is allowed to go forward,” Amy adds, “the impact will be devastating. Iowans will feel the impact, from grants and funds that support livelihoods, such as family-owned farms and small businesses, services for seniors and more. It feels as if everything is on the table. Health care is a big issue. The state has the second highest rate of cancer in the nation.” The situation is sobering, to say the least.

Amy has a request for activists in blue bubbles. “We need to see residents in blue states fight back. That gives us hope. We need New Yorkers to push Schumer harder. Get your lawmakers involved. Get Democrats to push back on these terrible policies.”

Amy recognizes that those of us in positions of privilege have to step up. As a devout gardener, she understands organizing for the long haul. “People who garden and plant a tree know — you don’t reap the rewards. It’s for generations to come. I’ve got kids. I think we all have this hope that we’re leaving things better for our kids.”