Author

Robin Opsahl

Robin Opsahl

Robin Opsahl is an Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter covering the state Legislature and politics. They have experience covering government, elections and more at media organizations including Roll Call, the Sacramento Bee and the Wausau Daily Herald.

The Family Leader president calls for ouster of Iowa Supreme Court justices after abortion decision

By: - June 19, 2023

The president and CEO of a prominent conservative group is calling for three Iowa Supreme Court justices to resign or be impeached or ousted for ruling against allowing Iowa’s six-week abortion ban to take effect. The comments come after the court failed to let the 2018 “fetal heartbeat” law take effect. Justices were divided 3-3, […]

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Iowa GOP leaders review ‘options’ to restrict abortion after Supreme Court decision

By: - June 16, 2023

Iowa Republican leaders said Friday they are looking at next steps on restricting abortions after the Iowa Supreme Court’s split decision that continues to block the state’s “fetal heartbeat” law. With a 3-3 split and Justice Dana Oxley recusing herself, the Supreme Court upheld a district judge’s 2022 ruling that declined to lift the injunction […]

Presidential candidate Larry Elder: Investigate ‘soft on crime’ prosecutors

By: - June 15, 2023

Republican presidential candidate Larry Elder, in Des Moines on Thursday, called for states to create commissions that could remove prosecutors who refuse to enforce laws. Elder unveiled his “Enforce the Law” proposal, and plans for a political action committee of the same name. He said he would propose model legislation for state governments that would […]

2024 candidate Tim Scott seeks higher profile with Iowa event, campaign ads

By: - June 14, 2023

PELLA — U.S. Sen. Tim Scott returned to the Iowa campaign trail Wednesday as he moves to boost himself as an optimistic alternative to former President Donald Trump. Scott spoke to voters at Sun Valley Barn in Pella, answering questions and calling for a return of the “American dream.” It’s a pitch he’s made many […]

Wahls says staff changes led to his removal as Senate Democratic leader

By: - June 12, 2023

Iowa Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, wrote in an online post he was replaced as Senate Democratic leader because of his decision to fire two longtime staffers at the office, who are once again employed with the Senate Democrats. Iowa Senate Democrats Communications Director Jason Noble confirmed Eric Bakker and Deb Kattenhorn are working for the […]

ND Gov. Doug Burgum launches campaign ads in Iowa, New Hampshire

By: - June 12, 2023

Republican presidential candidate Doug Burgum released two ads Monday that will air in Iowa and New Hampshire, his campaign announced. The $3 million ad campaign will air on TV stations the first two states to hold nominating contests — the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary — in 2024. Burgum, the governor of North Dakota, […]

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum comes to Iowa as 2024 candidate

By: - June 8, 2023

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum made his first trip to Iowa Thursday, a day after his entry into the 2024 presidential race. Burgum began his time in Iowa hosting a meet-and-greet at a Farley farm equipment supplier, CJ Beeps Equipment LLC, before heading to the Field of Dreams in Dyersville. In his announcement Wednesday in […]

Sen. Pam Jochum replaces Sen. Zach Wahls as Iowa Senate minority leader

By: - June 7, 2023

Iowa Senate Democrats voted Wednesday evening to elect Sen. Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, to replace Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, as Senate minority leader. Iowa Democrats left the meeting at the Iowa State Capitol at 9 p.m., referring questions to Jochum’s office. The move came after Wahls’ office announced via email Friday the office was ending the […]

Former VP Mike Pence launches 2024 bid, criticizes Trump’s Jan. 6 actions

By: - June 7, 2023

Former Vice President Mike Pence announced his candidacy for president to a crowd at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, focusing on the differences between him and former President Donald Trump, who is also running again in 2024. While Pence praised the conservative successes he and Trump achieved in office, he said he is […]

Attorney General Brenna Bird joins lawsuits against Biden

By: - June 6, 2023

Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has joined multiple lawsuits against the Biden administration in June as Republicans criticize the president’s approach to issues like fentanyl and climate change. Bird, alongside attorneys general for 18 other states, challenged the Environmental Protection Agency’s decisions allowing California to implement rules phasing out many diesel-powered trucks and to […]

GOP candidates compete for Iowans’ support at Sen. Joni Ernst’s ‘Roast and Ride’

By: - June 3, 2023

Presidential candidates worked to balance promoting their ability to unify the country while highlighting their fight against the “woke” left while speaking to Iowans gathered Saturday for U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s “Roast and Ride” fundraiser at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his wife, Casey, took their children to get ice cream […]

Iowa Democrats prepare to respond to potential DNC calendar changes, new caucus law

By: - June 2, 2023

Despite criticisms from national Democrats and Iowa Republicans, Iowa Democratic Party leaders hope their delegate selection plan will help Iowa keep its early-state position as other states fail to comply with the Democratic National Committee’s proposed calendar. Iowa Democrats’ State Central Committee will meet Saturday morning to approve the delegate selection plan, sending it to […]