U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley addressed Republican activists in West Des Moines on Friday, stating he does not plan to die in office but wants to prevent a Democratic governor from appointing his potential successor. Grassley, a 93-year-old Republican from New Hartford, made the remarks at the Republican Party of Iowa’s Reagan Dinner, an event that also honored retiring U.S. Senator Joni Ernst.
Succession Rules Under Iowa Law
Under Iowa law, if a U.S. Senate seat becomes vacant due to a death or resignation, the sitting governor chooses a replacement to temporarily hold the seat until the next general election. That next election is scheduled for November 2028, at which point Grassley would be 95 years old. He has not yet announced whether he will run for re-election then.
The outcome of the upcoming gubernatorial race will dictate which party controls that temporary appointment if a vacancy occurs during the next two years. The candidates running in this November’s election for governor are Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn. If Grassley were to leave office before the next governor takes office, current Republican Governor Kim Reynolds would make the appointment.
Grassley’s Long Political Career
Iowa voters first elected Grassley to public office 68 years ago. His career in elected office spans several decades across state and federal levels:
- 1958: Elected to the Iowa House of Representatives
- 1974: Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
- 1980: Elected to the U.S. Senate
During his remarks at the Reagan dinner, Grassley reflected on his tenure and age, telling the audience, “At 93 years of age, I don’t know how many more groups of Republicans like this I’m going to have a chance to talk to.”
Related Remarks From State Leadership
Also speaking at the dinner, Grassley’s grandson, Iowa Speaker of the House Pat Grassley, addressed attendees regarding the upcoming election cycle. He encouraged fellow Republicans to work hard to protect the party’s legislative majority amid concerns over factors impacting the election.
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