Senator Catelin Drey

Catelin Drey is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves in the Iowa State Senate, representing District 1. She assumed office on September 15, 2025, and her current term will conclude on January 2, 2027.

Drey entered the Iowa State Senate following a special election held on August 26, 2025. The election was called after the death of Senator Rocky De Witt, a Republican who had represented District 1. Drey won the special general election with 55 percent of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Christopher Prosch. Her victory was notable as it flipped a Republican-held seat, reducing the GOP’s supermajority in the chamber and giving Democrats greater leverage in legislative negotiations.

Born in North Dakota in 1987 or 1988, Drey later moved to Sioux City, Iowa, to attend Morningside University. She graduated in 2010 with bachelor’s degrees in photography and Spanish. Her academic background reflects a diverse set of interests, combining the arts with language studies. After completing her education, she became active in community organizations and advocacy efforts, building a reputation as a grassroots leader.

Drey is the founder of Moms for Iowa, a parent-led advocacy organization focused on issues affecting families and children. Through this initiative, she worked to amplify the voices of parents in policy discussions and to promote legislation that supports family well-being. She has also served as president of the Siouxland Growth Organization, a local group dedicated to fostering economic and community development in the Sioux City area. Her leadership in these organizations highlights her commitment to civic engagement and community improvement.

Her legislative priorities reflect her background in advocacy and community leadership. Drey has emphasized the importance of expanding access to affordable healthcare, supporting public education, and strengthening economic opportunities for working families. She has also expressed interest in policies that promote inclusivity and empower grassroots voices in the political process. Her election to the Iowa Senate has been seen as part of a broader effort to bring new perspectives and generational change to the state’s political landscape.

Drey’s victory in District 1 was significant not only for her personal career but also for the balance of power in the Iowa State Senate. With her election, Democrats gained 17 seats in the 50-member chamber, reducing the Republican majority to 33 seats. This shift meant that Republicans would need at least one Democratic vote to confirm gubernatorial appointments, giving Drey and her colleagues increased influence in shaping state policy during the final years of Governor Kim Reynolds’ term.

As a legislator, Drey’s combination of academic achievement, grassroots activism, and community leadership positions her as a distinctive figure in Iowa politics. Her trajectory suggests that she may continue to play a significant role in shaping policy debates, particularly in areas related to family advocacy, education, and community development. With her current term set to conclude in January 2027, her effectiveness in advancing her priorities will determine her long-term impact on the Iowa State Senate and her prospects for re-election.