J.D. Scholten

J.D. Scholten is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives, representing District 1. A member of the Democratic Party, Scholten has previously run for higher office, including two campaigns for Iowa's 4th congressional district. His unique background as a professional baseball player and his commitment to public service have shaped his political career and community engagement.

Early life and career

J.D. Scholten was born on March 4, 1980, in Ames, Iowa. At the age of four, he and his family relocated to Sioux City, Iowa, where he spent his formative years. Scholten attended East High School in Sioux City, where he was actively involved in athletics, playing on both the baseball and basketball teams. His passion for sports continued into his college years, as he pursued baseball at Morningside College. During his time at Morningside, he played as a pitcher and first baseman for three years before transferring to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. There, he continued his baseball career as a pitcher for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, leading the team in earned run average (ERA) during his senior year. Scholten graduated from the University of Nebraska in December 2003.

Following his graduation, Scholten embarked on a professional baseball career. He made his debut in 2003 with the Saskatoon Legends, a team in the Canadian Baseball League, which was an independent league. After the league folded mid-season, he signed with the Sioux City Explorers, a team in the American Association of Professional Baseball. Over the next few years, he played for various teams in multiple countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Cuba, showcasing his skills internationally. After retiring from professional baseball, Scholten transitioned into a career as a paralegal, working for firms in Minneapolis and Seattle that specialized in intellectual property law. In 2017, he returned to Sioux City, where he continued to engage with his community.

In a notable return to baseball, Scholten signed with the Twins Oosterhout in the Honkbal Hoofdklasse on July 23, 2023. His signing came as the team needed an additional pitcher due to injuries and visa issues affecting other players. Scholten's performance included six games, where he achieved a 2–1 record and a 4.50 ERA, demonstrating his enduring athletic capabilities. In 2024, he made a brief appearance with the Sioux City Explorers, further solidifying his connection to the sport. His involvement in baseball continued until he announced his retirement from professional play after the 2025 season.

Legislative service

Scholten's political career began to take shape when he ran for the United States House of Representatives in Iowa's 4th congressional district during the 2018 elections. He faced the incumbent Republican representative Steve King, ultimately losing the election by a narrow margin. Following this campaign, he established a nonprofit organization aimed at assisting low-income Iowans in understanding and accessing the earned income tax credit, reflecting his commitment to social issues.

In 2019, Scholten announced his intention to run for the same congressional seat again in the 2020 elections. He was unopposed in the Democratic primary but faced a challenging race against state Senator Randy Feenstra, who had won the Republican primary. Scholten lost this election by a significant margin.

On March 16, 2022, Scholten shifted his focus to state politics by announcing his candidacy for the Iowa House of Representatives, specifically for District 1. He ran unopposed in both the Democratic primary and the general election, successfully securing his position in the Iowa legislature. During his tenure, he has continued to balance his legislative responsibilities with his passion for baseball, even signing with the Twins Oosterhout while serving as a legislator.

Scholten ran for re-election in the 2024 elections and won a second term in the Iowa House. However, he announced in 2026 that he would retire from the Iowa House at the end of the legislative session and would not seek re-election. His decision to step back from the legislature marks a significant transition in his political career.

In June 2025, Scholten expressed his ambition to run for the United States Senate in the 2026 elections, challenging incumbent Senator Joni Ernst. However, he later withdrew from the race in August 2025, endorsing fellow State Representative Josh Turek instead.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Iowa House of Representatives, Scholten has identified himself as a "Lina Khan Democrat," aligning with progressive values and the populist wing of the Democratic Party. His policy focus has included issues relevant to his constituents in District 1, which encompasses a diverse range of communities and interests. Scholten's legislative work has aimed to address economic disparities and enhance access to resources for low-income residents, reflecting his earlier nonprofit efforts.

Throughout his time in office, Scholten has engaged with various community initiatives and has been involved in discussions surrounding economic policy, healthcare, and education. His background as a paralegal has likely informed his approach to legislative matters, particularly those related to legal and regulatory issues.

Scholten's unique combination of experiences in professional sports and law, along with his commitment to public service, has contributed to his perspective as a legislator. As he prepares to retire from the Iowa House, his contributions to the state legislature and his community will continue to be recognized as part of his legacy.