Iowa House Democrat Konfrst announces her retirement

News

February 17th, 2026 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, IA) – A member of the Iowa House of Representatives, Monday, announced she is retiring, and will not seek re-election. Democrat Jennifer Konfrst, who has represented the 32nd District since 2019, said in a post on social media that she  will retire from the Iowa House at the end of this year.

In a Facebook post, Konfrst thanked supporters following her recent decision to end her campaign for Congress. She said she is stepping aside to make room for new leadership in House District 32. Konfrst also said she is not done with politics and plans to serve her constituents through January 2027 while helping other Democrats leading up to Election Day.

Rep. Jennifer Konfrst (D) profile photo from her official Facebook page

Read her full statement, here:

“I want to thank you all for the encouragement and support after ending my campaign for Congress a few weeks ago. It was a very difficult decision and one I wish I hadn’t had to make, but your kind words warmed my heart and lifted me up!
When deciding to run for Congress last winter, I knew that it also meant stepping away from my time in the Iowa House. Since my campaign for Congress is over, many of you have encouraged me to reconsider retiring from the Iowa House and running for this seat again this fall. I’ve talked it over with several trusted friends and advisors, and my husband Lee and I have discussed it at length. While I have loved my time in the Iowa House, it’s time to step back and keep my commitment to building the bench by leaving space for more leadership in HD32 and in the party.
I’m not done with politics. But it’s time for me to find a place to serve where I can be as effective as possible. I look forward to taking time to consider my options and determine what is next.
In the coming months until Election Day I want to help other Democrats get elected, and I intend to serve my constituents all the way through until January 2027. Otherwise I’m looking forward to spending 2026 with my family and friends and doing my important work at Drake.
I’ll have lots to say to thank everyone who has been with me on my ten-year Iowa House journey. But this session in the House will be my last for now. Since making this decision I wanted to make it public as soon as possible to allow folks interested in running time to ramp up. Our district is full of talented leaders and I look forward to voting for one of them this spring and fall.
Public service and leadership take many forms. It’s truly important that we all do everything we can. I’m excited to take the time to figure out what that looks like for me.”