Republicans in the Iowa Senate have elected a northeast Iowa legislator as its next Senate Majority Leader.
State Senator Mike Klimesh of Spillville will replace Jack Whitver, who had been Senate Majority Leader since 2018. However, Whitver has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor and announced last week he was stepping down as leader and will not seek re-election in 2026.
Senate Republicans met Wednesday (09.24) night and selected Klimesh to succeed Whitver.
The 56-year-old Klimesh was mayor of Spillville for 22 years and has been a state senator since 2011. In a written statement, Klimesh says it’s an honor and a responsibility to serve as majority leader.
Klimesh represents State Senate District 32, which includes Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee and Clayton Counties along with adjacent areas of Fayette and Dubuque Counties.
Klimesh is a graduate of South Winneshiek High School and Luther College.
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