Hunter
06/13/23
State Senator Zach Wahls of Coralville, who was ousted by Senate Democrats as their leader last week, has issued a public statement on social media.
The Gazette reports that in the statement, Wahls said he is no longer leader because he fired two longtime staffers who he said did not share his vision for change. He went on to say, “There is always a resistance to change and new ideas, and I stand by the decision because Iowa Democrats desperately need a new direction and leaders who will chart that course.”
A spokesman confirmed to the Gazette that the two staffers, Erik Bakker and Deb Kattenhorn, are back working with the caucus.
Senate Democrats did not specify any reason for ousting Wahls when they issued a statement last week, but the Gazette says previous disagreements over his direction as caucus leader also was a factor.
Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque is the new caucus leader, at a time when their sixteen Senate seats are the lowest number held by either Democrats or Republicans in 50 years.