WASHINGTON DC (September 30, 2019) — Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley released the following statement regarding Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer’s announcement that she will not seek re-election.
“Having served with her father, Del Stromer, in the Iowa state legislature decades ago, Barbara and I have enjoyed a close family friendship with Speaker Linda Upmeyer that started when she was very young. As the daughter of a former Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. With the grit of an Iowa farm girl, she relished hard work. When she decided to run for public office, she plowed every ounce of energy into serving her neighbors, upholding Iowa values, building opportunity, and solving problems. After being elected to serve in the state legislature in 2002, Linda cultivated a strong connection with her constituents that has grown deep roots these last 17 years. In the years to follow, she climbed the leadership ranks with confidence. After being tapped to serve as House Majority Leader in 2010, Linda became the first woman in Iowa history to be elected Speaker of the Iowa House in 2015. Under her tenure, the state of Iowa has grown a budget surplus and continues record-low unemployment. She has served with honor, grace and integrity. She is a class act. I am grateful for her friendship and salute her historic leadership to make Iowa an even better place for generations to come.”
