An introduction from the new Iowa House Minority Leader

By: 
Jennifer Konfrst
Iowa House Minority Leader

     Greetings from the Iowa Statehouse!

     My name is Jennifer Konfrst, and I’m proud to serve as the newest Iowa House Minority Leader. I’m glad to have this opportunity to introduce myself and share a little about my priorities.

     I was first elected to the Iowa House three years ago, and I represent the people of Iowa’s 43rd House District, which includes Windsor Heights and parts of Clive and West Des Moines. I first ran for the House to fight for quality public schools and a more common-sense approach to how we can make Iowa a place where everyone can succeed.

     I’ve lived in Iowa nearly all my life, graduating from Johnston High School and Drake University. My husband, Lee, and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, and we’re so happy we chose to raise our family in Iowa. We have two kids, Ellie and James, who are both in college.

     As a citizen legislature, most of us have “day jobs,” too. In my day job, I’m a professor at Drake University’s School for Journalism and Mass Communication. Before teaching at Drake, I spent 12 years in communications leadership at Iowa PBS.

     As a mom, I know first-hand how great it is to raise a family in Iowa. As an educator, I work to make sure young adults have the skills they need to land a good job. As a community leader, I work to make sure Iowa is a place young people want to stay after graduation.

     I’m proud of our state, and I work every day to make it better. We have to do more to make Iowa a welcoming and vibrant destination where the next generation wants to raise their own families. That means renewing our commitment to public education. It means creating more opportunities for Iowans to succeed with good-paying jobs, affordable housing options, and quality child care. It also means opening our arms and hearts to people who may come from different backgrounds or whose families don’t look like ours.

     As a legislator, I’ve learned a lot about what it means to work for Iowans. I love my home state, and I believe we must be better for all Iowans. The Iowa House of Representatives could do a better job of listening to and fighting for everyday Iowans. It’s time for a change in the Iowa House, and I’m ready to get to work.

     These common-sense priorities are what Iowans are asking for, and I’m proud to be part of a group of lawmakers putting Iowans first.

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