Senator Thomas Townsend

Tom Townsend was elected to his first term in the Iowa Senate in 2024. He represents Senate District 36, encompassing the city of Dubuque and portions of Dubuque County.

Tom was born and raised on a farm in a small town in northwest Illinois. After high school, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy where he completed the Navy Nuclear Power Program. Tom served on multiple deployments aboard the USS James Monroe and USS Haddock.

After six years in the Navy, Tom was accepted into the Apprenticeship Program at IBEW Local 704. Following completion of his apprenticeship program, Tom worked as a journeyman wireman in several states. Tom was always active in his local union, holding many committee and officer positions, including serving as Business Manager for Local 704 since 2011.

Tom is president of the Dubuque Area Labor Harvest. As a volunteer, Tom has helped feed thousands of low-income and disabled citizens throughout the Dubuque area. In recognition of these efforts, he was selected for induction into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame.

Tom and his wife, Judee, have three children, Carrie, Matt, and Jacob, and 5 grandchildren.