DES MOINES, Iowa — Rita Hart was elected to a second term as the Iowa Democratic Party Chair with an overwhelming majority on Saturday.

Reelected with 38 of the 49 votes, Hart will serve another four years as the Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party.

Hart laid out her plan for the party with the introduction of Forward: Victory 2026 which she plans to begin implementing immediately.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Iowa Democratic Party for a second term and look forward to implementing a plan that I shared publicly today to help Democrats build a foundation for success in 2025, 2026, and beyond.”

The Forward: Victory 2026 plan outlines a path to victory for Iowa Democrats in 2026. The plan lists nine principles which are aimed at strengthening the party.

In the letter Hart wrote about coming into the position in January 2023 when the party was$100,000 in debt and only had two-and-a-half staffers. Since then, she reports the party has now stabilized and she’s excited to move towards reestablishing Democrats in Iowa.

“The 2024 election did not go how I nor any Democrat in Iowa wanted, but the IDP is stronger than it was two years ago. I am looking forward to continue building on the strong foundation we’ve put in place during the last two years so Democrats in Iowa can win.” 

2026 could prove to be a critical year with the seat for governor, auditor, treasurer, secretary of state, and attorney general all in play. The U.S. Senate seat and four U.S. House seats will also be on the ballot.

A 2025 operational calendar was included in the plan which lays out the actions and moves of the IDP over the 2025 year.

The complete Forward: Victory 2026 plan can be read here