IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Democrat Jackie Norris has officially withdrawn her candidacy for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat, indicating a shift in her priorities towards supporting the Des Moines public school board following the recent arrest of Superintendent Ian Roberts by immigration authorities.
Norris expressed that the detention of Roberts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on September 26 required her full attention, stating it had placed both the community and her personally under 'vicious and coordinated attacks.' In a social media message, she emphasized the need to focus on the school board's work supporting children, families, and educators.
As she steps away from the campaign, Norris will continue to lead during the transition to an interim superintendent while also seeking community approval for a $265 million bond aimed at improving school infrastructure and programs. Additionally, she will be involved in the ongoing investigations regarding Roberts’ employment history, ensuring that the community receives the answers it deserves.
Norris’s exit from the Senate race creates a competitive environment within the Democratic primary focused on the seat being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst, who is not seeking reelection after two terms. Notable Democratic candidates remaining include state Senator Zach Wahls, state Representative Josh Turek, and military veteran Nathan Sage.
On the Republican side, U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson is vying for the nomination against former state Senator Jim Carlin and others. The Republican party is currently favored to retain the seat in a state that leaned heavily in favor of former President Donald Trump, who garnered 56% of the vote in the last presidential election.
Ernst's sudden announcement of her retirement opened the door for new candidates, yet indications suggest that national Democratic leaders remain cautious about mounting a strong campaign against potentially favored Republican contenders. Given that Democrats currently need to gain a net of four seats to take control of the Senate, strategists are focusing efforts on more promising opportunities in states like Maine and North Carolina, rather than in traditionally Republican-leaning Iowa.
The timing of Roberts' arrest posed significant challenges for Norris, especially as she was in the initial stages of her campaign. Previously, she served as chief of staff for former first lady Michelle Obama and had placed a strong emphasis on her experience in education. However, growing public scrutiny over how her school board hired Roberts, who was allegedly working in the U.S. illegally, added complications to her campaign, culminating in criticism over a fundraising video she released shortly after the arrest.
As the political dynamics evolve, the potential shifts in the Iowa Senate race remain closely observed both locally and nationally.
Norris expressed that the detention of Roberts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on September 26 required her full attention, stating it had placed both the community and her personally under 'vicious and coordinated attacks.' In a social media message, she emphasized the need to focus on the school board's work supporting children, families, and educators.
As she steps away from the campaign, Norris will continue to lead during the transition to an interim superintendent while also seeking community approval for a $265 million bond aimed at improving school infrastructure and programs. Additionally, she will be involved in the ongoing investigations regarding Roberts’ employment history, ensuring that the community receives the answers it deserves.
Norris’s exit from the Senate race creates a competitive environment within the Democratic primary focused on the seat being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst, who is not seeking reelection after two terms. Notable Democratic candidates remaining include state Senator Zach Wahls, state Representative Josh Turek, and military veteran Nathan Sage.
On the Republican side, U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson is vying for the nomination against former state Senator Jim Carlin and others. The Republican party is currently favored to retain the seat in a state that leaned heavily in favor of former President Donald Trump, who garnered 56% of the vote in the last presidential election.
Ernst's sudden announcement of her retirement opened the door for new candidates, yet indications suggest that national Democratic leaders remain cautious about mounting a strong campaign against potentially favored Republican contenders. Given that Democrats currently need to gain a net of four seats to take control of the Senate, strategists are focusing efforts on more promising opportunities in states like Maine and North Carolina, rather than in traditionally Republican-leaning Iowa.
The timing of Roberts' arrest posed significant challenges for Norris, especially as she was in the initial stages of her campaign. Previously, she served as chief of staff for former first lady Michelle Obama and had placed a strong emphasis on her experience in education. However, growing public scrutiny over how her school board hired Roberts, who was allegedly working in the U.S. illegally, added complications to her campaign, culminating in criticism over a fundraising video she released shortly after the arrest.
As the political dynamics evolve, the potential shifts in the Iowa Senate race remain closely observed both locally and nationally.
