REPUBLICAN JACK WHITAKER IS STEPPING DOWN FROM HIS ROLE AS STATE SENATE MAJORITY LEADER. HE ANNOUNCED HE IS NOT RUNNING FOR REELECTION IN 2026 AND RETIRING FROM THE IOWA SENATE LAST YEAR. WHITAKER WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BRAIN TUMOR AND HAD BEEN RECEIVING RADIATION AND DRUG THERAPY. HE WAS REELECTED LAST NOVEMBER TO SERVE AS MAJORITY LEADER. HE’S HELD THAT ROLE SINCE 2018. IOWA SENATE REPUBLICANS WILL NEED TO ELECT SOMEONE NEW TO FILL THE POSITION. WHITVER WILL SERVE AS MAJORITY LEADER UNT
State Sen. Jack Whitver stepping down as majority leader, won’t seek re-election in 2026
Updated: 4:20 PM CDT Sep 16, 2025
Iowa Republican Jack Whitver is stepping down from his role as state Senate majority leader. He also announced he is not running for reelection in 2026.Last year, Whitver was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had been receiving radiation and drug therapy.“I first started campaigning for the Iowa Senate hours after my oldest daughter was born. I ran because taxes were too high, and I wanted to make it easier to work, start a business and raise a family in Iowa. I believe I have accomplished my goals,” said Whitver. “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 of this great state.” “My oldest daughter is now driving and my three children are very active, making family life is busier than ever. 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.” Whitver was reelected last November to serve as majority leader, a role he’s held since 2018. Iowa Senate Republicans will need to elect someone new to fill the position. It is not clear how soon that election will take place.Whitver, 45, lives in Grimes and represents Iowa Senate District 23, which includes parts of Dallas and Polk counties. He has served in the Iowa Senate since 2011.
DES MOINES, Iowa —
Iowa Republican Jack Whitver is stepping down from his role as state Senate majority leader. He also announced he is not running for reelection in 2026.
Last year, Whitver was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had been receiving radiation and drug therapy.
“I first started campaigning for the Iowa Senate hours after my oldest daughter was born. I ran because taxes were too high, and I wanted to make it easier to work, start a business and raise a family in Iowa. I believe I have accomplished my goals,” said Whitver. “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 of this great state.”
“My oldest daughter is now driving and my three children are very active, making family life is busier than ever. 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.”
Whitver was reelected last November to serve as majority leader, a role he’s held since 2018. Iowa Senate Republicans will need to elect someone new to fill the position. It is not clear how soon that election will take place.
Whitver, 45, lives in Grimes and represents Iowa Senate District 23, which includes parts of Dallas and Polk counties. He has served in the Iowa Senate since 2011.