For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Next 50, the leading organization investing in next generation Democrats under 50 in battlegrounds across the country, today announced its endorsement of Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race, continuing to support a proven leader as he runs for statewide office in a must-win race for Democrats. The Next 50 supported Wahls in 2022 as Minority Leader of the Iowa Senate.

“The Next 50 is proud to invest in next-generation leaders who are principled, pragmatic, energetic and focused, and Zach Wahls embodies those qualities,” said Mari Manoogian, Executive Director of The Next 50.  “Zach has the vision and proven track record to deliver results for Iowa families. They need a fighter who puts them first, not another politician anointed by party bosses or playing Washington games. The road to building a lasting Democratic Senate majority runs straight through Iowa and Zach Wahls is the candidate who can win.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for The Next 50’s endorsement and their commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. Iowans are ready for change — they’re tired of a broken system that rewards the well-connected and leaves working families behind” said Iowa Senator Zach Wahls. “Together, we can build a new generation of leadership rooted in Iowa values — one that’s focused on solving problems, lowering costs, and delivering real results for everyday Iowans.”

About Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls

As the new father of a seventh-generation Iowan, Zach was raised with Iowa’s family farm values and understands the challenges facing Iowa families from first-hand experience. As a State Senator, he’s worked to lower costs for all Iowans by cutting taxes for middle class families, eliminating unnecessary red tape, and expanding economic opportunity through state investment in trade schools, community colleges, and Iowa’s Regent’s universities.

Zach first gained national attention in 2011 when, as a 19-year-old college kid at the University of Iowa, he defended the freedom to marry for all Iowans, including families like his own with two moms, before the Iowa Legislature. That moment of courage showed Iowa who he was: someone willing to stand up for what’s right, especially when it’s hard. Since then, he’s continued advocating for Iowa families as an advocate, an author, and a State Senator.

Zach lives in Coralville with his wife Chloe, their son Elijah, and their dog Zelda. He’s an active member of his Unitarian Universalist congregation and until recently served as the Vice President of Community Investment at GreenState Credit Union, Iowa’s largest independent financial cooperative.

ABOUT THE NEXT 50

The Next 50 was founded in 2019 to build the infrastructure needed for long-term Democratic success by deliberately investing in next-generation leadership. Since its founding, The Next 50 has supported nearly 100 candidates across the country, achieving a nation-leading win rate of 70% in the 2023-24 cycle. The organization develops leaders’ capabilities while building their political and fundraising networks, ensuring the Democratic Party’s bench is stacked with talented communicators and skilled political operators.