DES MOINES, Ia. — Representative Shannon Latham announced on Monday afternoon that she would not seek re-election as representative of Iowa House District 55 in the 2026 elections. Latham has served in the Iowa House since 2021 and has been the representative for District 55, the district representing Hamilton County, northern Story County and southeastern Wright County.
In a press release, Latham stated “It had been a dream of mine to serve in the Iowa Legislature ever since I traveled to Washington, D.C., in high school. Being your voice in the Iowa House has been an absolute honor. I’m grateful to the voters who allowed me to represent them and to everyone who shared their ideas and concerns with me for the last six years. After recently accepting the position of Executive Director for the Iowa FFA Foundation – a position that requires my full attention – I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection.”
Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley also had comments on Latham’s tenure: “Representative Latham has served her constituents well,” Grassley said. “Her dedication to the state of Iowa shows in all that she does, from advocating for Iowa agriculture and economic development to thoughtfully considering each piece of legislation that comes before her and its impact on our state.”
Latham chaired the Local Government Committee before being appointed Chair of the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, which she still leads today. Latham has also served as vice chair of Appropriations. In addition to committee leadership, Latham serves on the Agriculture, Appropriations, Commerce, and Economic Growth and Technology Committees.