Clear Lake Representative sworn in as House Speaker

The Iowa House unanimously approved Linda Upmeyer, of Clear Lake, as the first woman Speaker of the Iowa House on Monday, Jan. 11.

The 16-year veteran of the House helped to open the legislative session Monday.  The moment was especially touching, as she recalled her father, Delwyn, serving as the Speaker during the 69th General Assembly.  In total, he served 23 years in the legislature.

Upmeyer says she hopes she can continue to carry on with her father’s values that he showed not only at home, but during his time at the Statehouse.

Besides Upmeyer being the first woman elected as Speaker of the Iowa House, it’s the first time in any legislature in the United

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States that a father and daughter have served as Speakers.

Six years ago Republicans selected her to be House Majority Leader.  In that job, she managed House debate.  In her new role, Upmeyer will be the top-ranking Republican in the legislature, presiding over House debate, negotiating with other key players behind the scenes and making House committee membership decisions.

Upmeyer was selected in August 2015 to replace Kraig Paulsen as the speaker.

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