Though many in the Republican-controlled Iowa state House say it is no surprise Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer was chosen to be the new Speaker of the House, Upmeyer herself was surprised and honored by the decision.
“This has been an emotional day for me and my family,” said Upmeyer on Thursday morning. Upmeyer’s late father, Del Stromer, was the House speaker in 1982 and 1983. “My dad was an amazing man, and so it’s something that live up to, knowing what a good job he did as speaker, watching that, and being to follow in his footsteps. I think there are many things that I have learned from him.”
Besides following in her father’s footsteps, Upmeyer’s new post marks history in Iowa as she becomes the first female to hold the position.
“I’ve never felt like there was a glass ceiling that I needed to break, however, in visiting with the public as I go out and recruit candidates, it is my hope that there is a young lady out there somewhere who can now say, ‘I can do this too,’” said Upmeyer.
Upmeyer’s colleague Jake Highfill (R-Johnston) also pointed out that Upmeyer was not selected over fellow conteder Josh Byrnes for the job simply because she is a woman.
“We elected Upmeyer as speaker not because she is a female, but because she is the best person for the job,” said Highfill. “We don’t really look at gender or race or anything like that. We believe the best person for the job should get the job.”
Highfill also highlighted that the choice from the Republican caucus signifies that Democrats are not the only party that rallies behind female politicians.
“Obviously, that stereotype is false,” said Highfill. “We elected the first senator, Joni (Ernst), and now Linda Upmeyer, so we are breaking stereotypes and all new records.”
Upmeyer said she is eager to move the party and next legislative session’s agenda forward once she formally assumes her role in January. Upmeyer would not comment on specific items on the agenda that she hopes to get on the floor.
“I clearly hear from members of the legislature from both sides of the aisle that we’d like to finish a little sooner, and I will work my best to do that,” said Upmeyer. “Every session has its bumps, and this one certainly did, and next session has its sets of challenges.”
Upmeyer was first elected state representative from Hiawatha in 2002.
