Angel Ramirez Just Made History as Iowa’s First Latina Legislator
On a cloudy Tuesday in Des Moines, 25-year-old Angel Ramirez raised her right hand and made history. With her swearing-in, Ramirez officially became the first Latina elected to the Iowa Legislature. This is a landmark moment in a state where Latinas have long been underrepresented in political power.
But Ramirez isn’t just breaking records. She’s bringing community organizing, restorative justice, and bold, unapologetic leadership straight to the Statehouse.
Angel Ramirez is the First Latina in the Iowa Legislature—At 25 Years Old
According to KCCI, Ramirez was sworn in on May 14. She did so after winning a special election to represent Iowa House District 78, which covers southeast Cedar Rapids. Democrat Sami Scheetz vacated the seat, resigning to join the Linn County Board of Supervisors.
Ramirez won decisively, defeating Republican Bernie Hayes with 79% of the vote, per The Gazette. Her campaign went beyond just a win for Democrats in a Republican-controlled legislature—it was a statement. Iowa voters in her district chose a young, first-generation college graduate. In fact, Ramirez is the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and a fierce advocate for social justice.
“I’m looking forward to helping make Iowa a safer, more accessible, more welcoming, inclusive place for all,” Ramirez said during her swearing-in ceremony. “So that other people can stay here … and feel like they have a home here—especially the younger generation,” she added.
How Angel Ramirez Went From Activist to State Representative
Ramirez’s story starts far from the Capitol steps. Born to a Chicano father and white mother, she moved from California and Arizona to Cedar Rapids to study at Coe College, where she earned degrees in political science and social and criminal justice. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, and decided to make Iowa her home.
In 2020, Ramirez became a key organizer in Cedar Rapids after the murder of George Floyd. She co-founded Our Future, a nonprofit leadership fellowship, and now serves as board president of Advocates for Social Justice. She’s also a peace facilitator for Kids First Law Center, working with public school students on restorative justice practices.
“I’m really stepping up to bring a new generation of leadership to the State House—leadership that listens to people, organizes with purpose and delivers real results that actually help their communities,” Ramirez told The Gazette before the election.
Grassroots Support Powered Angel Ramirez’s Win
Ramirez’s campaign counted on the support of grassroots organizations and local progressive leaders. She earned endorsements from former Rep. Scheetz, state senators Liz Bennett and Rob Hogg, and major labor organizations, including the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, the Iowa State Education Association, and the Hawkeye Area Labor Council.
In a statement posted to her campaign’s social media after election night, Ramirez wrote: “I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust you have placed in me. You embraced me when I arrived as a college student, and I’ve embraced it right back. As your new Representative, I will work tirelessly to keep Iowa a place where young people want to build their lives, where public education is properly funded, and where you can thrive.”
Why Angel Ramirez’s Victory Matters for Latinas Everywhere
According to We Are Iowa, Ramirez is the first Latina to ever hold a seat in the Iowa Legislature. Let that sink in. In a state where over 6% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, no Latina had ever reached this point—until now.
Her victory sends a powerful message, not just to Iowans, but to Latinas across the U.S.: Our voices, our leadership, and our vision for the future belong in every decision room.
As Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said after the results came in: “The scale of our victory tonight shows that as long as Democrats run candidates who understand and fight for their communities, we can win elections across the state.”
Ramirez has already confirmed she’ll seek re-election in 2026. But for now, she’s focusing on listening to her community—and proving that the future of politics can look like us.
