Pat Grassley chosen as new House Speaker

The Iowa House Republicans have appointed Pat Grassley (R – New Hartford) as the new House Speaker.

Earlier this month, Speaker Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) announced she would not seek reelection to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2020 and would step down as Speaker of the House.

The 53-member group selected Grassley, who has served in the Iowa House since 2007, last Monday morning. Grassley will take over for Upmeyer as Speaker in 2020. Grassley has also served as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

In a statement released by the Iowa House Republicans, Grassley said he was honored to have the opportunity to serve as the new Speaker but plans to continue the House Republicans’ efforts to “pursue a common sense agenda that Iowans support.”

“It’s a true honor to be the next Speaker and I am humbled by the support from the House Republican caucus,” he said, adding that he hopes to continue work investing in a workforce, ensure rural communities have opportunities and focusing on middle-class Iowans. “I look forward to hitting the ground running and getting to work on these important issues.”