Senate President Charles Schneider (R-West Des Moines) announced on Tuesday he will not seek re-election in 2020. He was first elected to the Senate in 2012 and was elected President of the Senate in 2018.
“It has been an honor to serve in the Iowa Senate for the last eight years,” Schneider said. “I have been able to help pass the largest income tax cut in state history, bring transparency to property taxes, pass significant tort reforms and put taxpayers back in control of state and local government.
“Like many state legislators, I have had to balance serving in the Legislature with my full-time career. I believe the time is right for me to shift my focus to my career and family. I am honored to have served as a legislator and as President of the Senate.”
Schneider said he ran for the Senate to make Iowa the best state in America to live, work and raise a family.
“As I leave state government, I look back at our progress and I am proud to have helped move Iowa closer to that goal,” he said.
Jeff Kaufmann, Republican Party of Iowa chairman, thanked Schneider for his service.
“During his time in the Iowa Senate, Sen. Schneider played a critical role in passing legislation that will make Iowa a better place to work, live and raise a family for decades to come,” Kaufmann said. “Sen. Schneider played a critical role in taking back the Senate majority in 2016, helping flip several seats and ushering in a new era of Republican leadership. We thank him for his years of service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
