Representative Angel Ramirez

Angel Ramirez is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves in the Iowa House of Representatives, representing District 78. She assumed office on May 13, 2025, and her current term will conclude on January 1, 2027.

Ramirez entered the Iowa House of Representatives following a special election held on April 29, 2025. The election was called after the resignation of Representative Sami Scheetz, and Ramirez secured her seat by winning the special general election. Her victory ensured continued Democratic representation in District 78, which includes parts of Cedar Rapids in Linn County. As one of the youngest members of the Iowa House, Ramirez’s election marked a generational shift in local politics and highlighted the growing influence of younger voices in the state legislature.

Born in 1999 or 2000, Ramirez is the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants. Her father is Chicano and her mother is white, and she has often spoken about how her multicultural background shaped her worldview and commitment to inclusivity. She grew up in California and Arizona before moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to attend Coe College. At Coe, she earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and social and criminal justice, becoming a first-generation college graduate. Her academic achievements provided her with a strong foundation in governance, law, and public policy, which she has carried into her legislative career.

Professionally, Ramirez has worked as a nonprofit executive, focusing on issues related to community empowerment and social justice. Her leadership in nonprofit organizations has emphasized advocacy for marginalized communities, access to resources, and the importance of grassroots organizing. These experiences have informed her legislative priorities and shaped her approach to policymaking, particularly in areas related to equity and justice.

In the Iowa House of Representatives, Ramirez serves on several committees, including Agriculture, Education, Government Oversight, Judiciary, and Veterans Affairs. She also holds assignments on appropriations subcommittees, serving as the ranking member of the Justice System Appropriations Subcommittee. These committee roles allow her to influence legislation across a wide range of policy areas, from education and agriculture to judicial matters and veterans’ issues. Her participation in these committees reflects her broad interests and her commitment to addressing diverse concerns within her district and the state.

Ramirez’s legislative priorities reflect her Democratic values and her background in advocacy. She has emphasized the importance of expanding access to healthcare, strengthening public education, and promoting economic opportunities for working families. She has also expressed interest in policies that support criminal justice reform and protect civil rights. Her combination of academic training, nonprofit leadership, and grassroots activism provides her with a distinctive perspective on policymaking, emphasizing inclusivity and responsiveness to community needs.

As a legislator, Ramirez’s trajectory suggests that she will continue to play a significant role in shaping policy debates within the Iowa House of Representatives. Her effectiveness in advancing her priorities and serving her constituents will determine her long-term influence in state politics. With her current term set to conclude in January 2027, Ramirez’s performance during this period will likely influence her prospects for re-election and her continued role as a representative of District 78. Her career reflects both her personal commitment to public service and the broader generational change taking place in Iowa politics.