Renee Hardman

Cherry Renee Hardman is an American politician and nonprofit executive currently serving as a member of the Iowa Senate, representing the 16th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Hardman was elected in a special election held in December 2025, making history as the first Black woman to serve in the Iowa Senate. In addition to her legislative role, she has held various leadership positions in nonprofit organizations and has a background in public service and human resources.

Early life and career

Renee Hardman was born in either 1960 or 1961 and spent her formative years in Macon, Georgia, and Maywood, Illinois, raised by a single mother. She pursued higher education at Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in 1983, followed by a Master of Business Administration in 1987. During her time at Drake, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta, a historically Black sorority that emphasizes scholarship and community service.

After completing her education, Hardman began her professional career in social services. She worked for Mainstream Living, a nonprofit organization, from 1983 until 1987, focusing on providing support and services to individuals with disabilities. Following this role, she joined the state of Iowa as a training officer, where she served until 1994. Hardman's career then transitioned to the private sector when she joined Bankers Trust in 1996, where she worked in the human services department. She advanced through the ranks and ultimately left the company in 2013 as a senior vice president.

In 2014, Hardman was recognized for her contributions to the community and was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame, an honor that highlights her impact on women's leadership and advocacy in the state. She continued her career in nonprofit leadership, taking on the role of CEO at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa in July 2018. In April 2022, she was appointed as the president of human resources and chief diversity officer at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines. Most recently, in January 2024, Hardman became the president and CEO of Lutheran Services in Iowa, further solidifying her commitment to serving the community through nonprofit work.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Hardman has been involved in educational governance as a trustee for Des Moines University from 2001 to 2017, contributing to the oversight and direction of the institution.

Legislative service

Hardman's political career began at the local level when she was elected to the West Des Moines City Council in November 2017. In a closely contested race, she defeated the incumbent at-large councilmember, marking a significant milestone as the first Black woman elected to the council. During her tenure, she prioritized issues such as affordable housing, diversity initiatives in collaboration with West Des Moines schools, and the passage of a welcoming city ordinance aimed at fostering inclusivity.

Her re-election in November 2021 was notable, as she received a substantial majority of the vote, securing 96% of the ballots cast. Throughout her time on the council, Hardman demonstrated a commitment to addressing community concerns and advocating for progressive policies. One significant action during her council term was her push to end the city's contract with a private security firm following public outcry over the firm's owner's comments during the George Floyd protests. This decision was made in August 2021 and reflected her responsiveness to community issues.

However, this action led to legal challenges, as the security firm owner filed a lawsuit against the city and the council, alleging defamation and violations of his rights. The lawsuit was dismissed by a district court, but the owner appealed, resulting in further legal proceedings that continued into 2025.

Hardman announced her resignation from the West Des Moines City Council on January 5, 2026, to focus on her new role in the Iowa Senate. A special election was scheduled to fill her vacated seat, demonstrating her commitment to a smooth transition for her constituents.

In October 2025, Hardman was selected as the Democratic Party's nominee for a special election to the Iowa Senate, following the death of Senator Claire Celsi. The election, held on December 30, 2025, was closely watched, as a Republican victory would have restored their supermajority in the chamber. However, Hardman won the election against her Republican opponent, Lucas Loftin, thereby becoming the first Black woman elected to the Iowa Senate. She was officially sworn into office on January 12, 2026, marking a significant moment in Iowa's legislative history.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Iowa Senate, Hardman represents the 16th district, which is known to lean Democratic. Her electoral success in the district reflects the political landscape, as evidenced by the support received by Democratic candidates in previous elections, including Kamala Harris's performance in the 2024 presidential election.

Hardman's policy focus is expected to align with her previous work on the city council, emphasizing social equity, community development, and diversity initiatives. Given her background in nonprofit leadership and human services, she is likely to advocate for policies that address affordable housing, healthcare access, and support for marginalized communities. Her experience in both the public and private sectors positions her to engage with a range of stakeholders and contribute to legislative discussions on critical issues facing Iowa residents.

In summary, Renee Hardman's journey from her early life in Georgia and Illinois to her current role in the Iowa Senate illustrates her commitment to public service and community advocacy. Her historic election as the first Black woman in the Iowa Senate and her previous leadership roles underscore her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the political landscape of Iowa. As she continues her legislative service, Hardman's focus on social issues and community engagement will likely shape her contributions to the state's governance.