Hunter
07/18/25
Iowa Democrats seeking to regain control of the Statehouse issued two separate statements yesterday pointing out what they called the failed policies of the Republican-led legislature.
Gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand cited new numbers from the Trump administration’s Bureau of Labor Statistics showing Iowa as 44th in the country for hourly wages, and dead last among all Midwestern states.
The release goes on to point out that Iowa’s hourly wage isn’t just a low number — it’s fueling a growing workforce shortage, forcing workers out of Iowa to neighboring states where they have access to better opportunities and higher wages.
Sand said, “The insiders in Des Moines are focused on catering to the needs of special interests while Iowa families watch their wages drop and their opportunities disappear. We need new leadership that puts Iowa families first.”
Meanwhile, a release from the Iowa Democratic Party cited a new poll from Morning Consult that shows Governor Kim Reynolds is once again ranked the most unpopular governor in the United States — a title she has held for six straight quarters.
Reynolds holds the only net negative approval rating of any U.S. governor, with 42% approval and 49% disapproval. In the past three months, her approval has dropped another two points, falling from -5 in April to a dismal -7 in July.
Party chair Rita Hart said, “Iowa keeps landing some of the worst-in-the-nation ratings — worst economy in the country, worst cancer growth rate, and one of the worst for hourly pay. After years of one-party rule and failed leadership, it’s only fitting for Governor Kim Reynolds to keep her crown as the worst governor in the country.”
Reynolds’ ranking comes after recent Trump administration reports showing that Iowa has slipped to 49th in the nation for overall economic performance and 48th for personal income growth, according to the Trump administration.