Angel Ramirez

Angel Ramirez is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives, representing the 78th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she was elected to the Iowa General Assembly in a special election held in April 2025, following the resignation of her predecessor. Ramirez is notable for being the first Latina elected to the Iowa General Assembly, and she has a background in social and racial justice advocacy, alongside her legislative responsibilities.

Early life and career

Angel Ramirez was born and raised in California and Arizona, where she is the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants. Her diverse heritage includes a Chicano father and a white mother, which has influenced her perspectives and advocacy work throughout her career. As a first-generation college graduate, Ramirez pursued higher education at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she earned bachelor's degrees in political science and social and criminal justice. Her academic journey marked a significant milestone not only for herself but also for her family, as she navigated the challenges of being the first in her family to attain a college degree.

After completing her education, Ramirez chose to make Cedar Rapids her home. Her commitment to the community became evident through her involvement in various local initiatives. She co-founded and serves as the executive director of Our Future, a non-profit organization aimed at fostering emerging leaders in the Cedar Rapids area. This role has allowed her to engage with the community and support the development of future leaders, particularly in the context of social and racial justice.

Ramirez gained prominence as a social and racial justice advocate in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. This event catalyzed her activism, leading her to take on leadership roles within local organizations. She serves as the president of the board for Advocates for Social Justice, an organization focused on promoting equity and justice within the community. Additionally, she works as a peace facilitator at the Kids First Law Center, where she collaborates with students at Metro High School and McKinley STEAM Academy to promote conflict resolution and understanding.

Before her election to the Iowa House of Representatives, Ramirez gained valuable experience in the political arena as a legislative aide to state senator Rob Hogg. This position provided her with insights into the legislative process and the workings of state government. Furthermore, she contributed to Cory Booker's 2020 presidential campaign, which expanded her understanding of political strategy and grassroots organizing.

Legislative service

Angel Ramirez's legislative career began when she was selected as the Democratic Party's candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives following the resignation of Representative Sami Scheetz on April 1, 2025. Ramirez was one of four candidates vying for the nomination, and she was chosen at the Democratic nomination convention in Linn County. Her candidacy received significant support, including endorsements from her predecessor, Representative Scheetz, as well as state senator Rob Hogg and state senator Liz Bennett. Additionally, several labor organizations, including the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO and the Iowa State Education Association, expressed their backing for her campaign.

In the special election held on April 29, 2025, Ramirez was elected to represent the 78th district, securing a substantial majority of the votes cast. Her election marked a historic moment for Iowa, as she became the first Latina to serve in the Iowa General Assembly. This achievement reflects not only her personal dedication but also the growing diversity within Iowa's political landscape.

Ramirez's term in the Iowa House of Representatives is set to conclude at the end of 2026, as she serves out the remainder of Scheetz's term. She has indicated her intention to seek re-election in the general election scheduled for November 2026, signaling her commitment to continuing her legislative work and representing the interests of her constituents.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Iowa House of Representatives, Angel Ramirez has a policy focus that aligns with her background in social and racial justice advocacy. Her experiences as a community leader and activist inform her approach to legislation, particularly in areas that impact marginalized communities. Ramirez's work with organizations dedicated to equity and justice positions her to address issues related to social welfare, education, and community development.

Representing the 78th district, Ramirez is tasked with advocating for the needs and interests of her constituents. This district encompasses a diverse population, and her role as a legislator involves engaging with community members to understand their concerns and priorities. Her commitment to fostering emerging leaders through her non-profit work complements her legislative efforts, as she seeks to empower individuals within her district to participate in the political process and advocate for their own needs.

In addition to her advocacy for social justice, Ramirez's legislative agenda may include a focus on education, labor rights, and community development initiatives. Given her background in political science and social justice, she is likely to prioritize policies that promote equity and access to resources for all residents of her district.

As she continues her service in the Iowa House of Representatives, Angel Ramirez remains dedicated to her constituents and the broader goals of social equity and justice. Her journey from a first-generation college graduate to a state legislator exemplifies her commitment to public service and community engagement, and she aims to leverage her position to drive meaningful change within her district and beyond.