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About the office

Iowa senators help write and vote on state laws as part of the General Assembly; the Senate has 50 members, one from each Senate district.

Term: 4 years (Terms are staggered; half of the Senate is elected every two years.).

Pay: $25,000 annual salary, plus a daily allowance during the legislative session and a monthly expense allowance (Iowa Code 2.10).

Molly Donahue

State Senator District 37

Democratic★ Incumbent

Photo: source

Surveillance & privacy Anti-Flock

Co-sponsored SF 2350 (ALPR placement, retention and sharing limits); warned against an unlimited surveillance network.

SAID
In a KCRG Q&A, she said Iowa needs a clear statewide framework for automatic license plate readers so the state doesn't create an unlimited surveillance network, and noted she co-sponsored SF 2350 to add safeguards: limits on camera placement, short data retention, documented searches tied to legitimate law-enforcement purposes, and restrictions on sharing data.newsKCRG · Sept. 22, 2026
DID
Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2350: relating to the use of automatic registration plate readers, and providing penalties.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Quick facts

Office: State Senator District 37
Incumbent: Yes
Opponent: R Randy Marzen (Republican)
Raised this cycle: $21,308; all years on file: $676,662
Votes on file: 7

At a glance

$21,308Raised (cycle)

$6,192Spent (cycle)

223Contributions

$140,878From PACs

$331,202From party

July 14, 2026Latest filing

Recent statement

Said her number one priority is making Iowa a place where people can afford to live, work and raise a family.

Biography

The race

Molly Donahue is the Democratic candidate for State Senator District 37 in the Nov. 3, 2026, Linn County general election.
They currently hold the office.
Also on the ballot for this office: Randy Marzen (Republican).

Sources: Linn County Election Services candidate list

Background

Her 2016 candidate profile listed her profession as educator and political experience as union rep and union executive board, with a bachelor's in elementary education from Iowa State University, a master's in secondary behavior disabilities from the University of Northern Iowa, and an ASD in secondary educational administration.
Said she was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, holds a master's in behavior disorders from the University of Northern Iowa, has taught in Cedar Rapids since 1990, and taught at her alma mater Washington High School working with students who have behavioral issues.
Said she has spent more than 36 years as a public school educator, primarily working with at-risk students and those with significant behavioral needs.

Sources: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); KCRG

Record in office

The Iowa Legislature lists her as a Democratic state senator for District 37 and Ranking Member of the Workforce committee.
The Iowa Legislature lists her on the Appropriations, Education, Health and Human Services, Rules and Administration, and Workforce committees.
Was absent for the final Senate vote on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed 41-1 on 2026-05-03.
In the June 2016 Iowa House District 68 Democratic primary, Donahue ran against Sam Gray of Marion, and the winner faced first-term Republican Rep. Ken Rizer of Cedar Rapids.

Show 5 more

Ballotpedia says she served in the Iowa House of Representatives District 68 from 2019 to 2023 and advanced from the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary.
Her campaign Instagram account describes her as the state senator representing Senate District 37 (Marion and parts of Cedar Rapids) and as ranking member on Labor, HHS budget, Education, and Health and Human Services committees.
7 roll-call votes on bills HF 639, SF 167, SF 2201, SF 2263, SF 2422, SF 472 and SF 607 are on file (listed under Record in office).
The Iowa Legislature's BillBook lists 136 bills sponsored or floor-managed (listed by issue under Record in office).
Iowa Legislature: Iowa Legislature member page (Senate District 37).

Sources: Iowa Legislature; Iowa Legislature; The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); Ballotpedia; Instagram; Iowa Ledger; Iowa Legislature (BillBook)

Positions & statements

Said her number one priority is making Iowa a place where people can afford to live, work and raise a family.
Said she is not opposed to data centers coming to Iowa but that they must be good partners to the communities where they locate.
Said she would improve education through sustainable public school funding, recruiting and retaining educators, and special education and mental health supports.
In a KCRG Q&A, she said Iowa needs a clear statewide framework for automatic license plate readers so the state doesn't create an unlimited surveillance network, and noted she co-sponsored SF 2350 to add safeguards: limits on camera placement, short data retention, documented searches tied to legitimate law-enforcement purposes, and restrictions on sharing data.

Show 6 more

Said that since Medicaid privatization 40,000 Iowans have been denied services and health care providers are not being paid for services.
Said she ran because of inadequate state funding for education and that under private Medicaid management her students were not getting the therapy and medications they needed.
Her campaign site lists education and workforce development, healthcare access and public safety, economic growth, and landowner rights and environmental protections as issues.
Her campaign site says no corporation should have immunity from lawsuits for medical expenses, loss of work, or loss of life due to their products.
Posted urging a no vote on Amendment #1 in November.
Her campaign Facebook page states she fights for working families, strong public schools, accessible healthcare, and the First Amendment.

Sources: KCRG; The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); Donahue for Iowa; Facebook

Campaign money

Molly Donahue's campaign committee is Donahue for State Senate (IECDB id 2274).
The committee has reported $676,662.24 in contributions across 2519 contributions in filings through July 14, 2026, $21,308.14 of it since Jan. 1, 2025.
The largest individual donors include Iowa Democratic Party 9098 ($33,031.80), Richard Vague ($10,000.00), Jefferey Halis ($5,000.00), Kathleen M. Ulrich ($4,654.86), Sunny Story ($3,316.87), Robert Rush ($3,250.00), One Vote at a Time ($2,668.15).
Contributions under the Donahue name among the top donors total $21,228.41.

Show 5 more

PAC and other committee contributions total $140,877.82, led by Linn Phoenix Club, Cedar Rapids Trades Council CR IC Building Trades PAC, Justice For All Political Action Committee, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC IBEW, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 125 Political Education Fund, Let America Vote PAC, United Food & Commercial Workers ABC Account, Iowa State U.A.W. PAC, Credit Union PAC, Emily's List - Iowa.
Party committee contributions total $331,201.64, led by Iowa Democratic Party, Linn County Democratic Central Committee, SECOND DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATIC IOWA.
Reported expenditures total $265,294.88 across 532 payments, $6,192.02 of it since Jan. 1, 2025.
The largest outside payees include Iowa Democratic Party ($161,891.82), Adcraft Printing ($48,530.94), GPS IMPACT ($9,201.80), Christian Edwards, print and graphic ($6,535.56), United States Postal Service ($4,334.15), Glen Gardner and Associates ($3,000.00), Act Blue ($2,636.32), USPS Cedar Rapids ($2,364.00), Carter Printing ($2,302.69).
Payments listed to Molly Donahue total $12,000.00.

Sources: Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board (committees); Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board (contributions)

In the news

The Gazette reported that a legislative panel voted unanimously to dismiss an ethics complaint over her social media posts about Moms for Liberty.
KCRG published a voting-guide Q&A with Molly Donahue, the Democratic candidate for State Senate District 37.
The Gazette published a candidate profile of her for Iowa Senate 37.

Sources: The Gazette; KCRG; The Gazette

Where they stand

Each mark is one sourced item from Positions & statements (left) or Record in office (right), grouped by issue. Click a mark to open its source; open an issue below to read its items.Tap an issue to see the sourced items.

Surveillance & privacy1 statement1 other record

Positions

In a KCRG Q&A, she said Iowa needs a clear statewide framework for automatic license plate readers so the state doesn't create an unlimited surveillance network, and noted she co-sponsored SF 2350 to add safeguards: limits on camera placement, short data retention, documented searches tied to legitimate law-enforcement purposes, and restrictions on sharing data.newsKCRG · Sept. 22, 2026

Record

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2350: relating to the use of automatic registration plate readers, and providing penalties.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Energy & power plants1 vote Y

Positions

None found.

Record

Voted yes on HF 639, a bill limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domain; it passed 27-22 on 2025-05-12.newsIowa Ledger · May 12, 2025

Data centers1 statement

Positions

Said she is not opposed to data centers coming to Iowa but that they must be good partners to the communities where they locate.newsKCRG · Sept. 22, 2026

Record

None found.

Property taxes & budget4 other records

Positions

None found.

Record

Was absent for the final Senate vote on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed 41-1 on 2026-05-03.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 262: requiring the establishment of the state percent of growth and categorical state percent of growth for two consecutive budget years during the first regular session of the general assembly, and including effective date provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 439: allowing cities to certify taxes for a general fund levy for libraries.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2360: relating to partial payments of property taxes and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Mental health1 statement3 other records

Positions

Said she would improve education through sustainable public school funding, recruiting and retaining educators, and special education and mental health supports.newsKCRG · Sept. 22, 2026

Record

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 100: relating to mental health resources for students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 102: relating to public school personnel training concerning mental health.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2098: relating to firearms, including background checks for acquiring pistols or revolvers, identification markings on firearms and firearm parts, trigger locks, extreme risk protective orders, mental health funding, certain firearm transfers, and certain related crimes, and providing penalties.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Abortion2 other records

Positions

None found.

Record

Sponsor or floor manager of SJR 1: proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right to reproductive care.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SJR 2003: proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right to reproductive care.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Health care2 statements1 vote N · 9 other records

Positions

Said she ran because of inadequate state funding for education and that under private Medicaid management her students were not getting the therapy and medications they needed.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · June 4, 2016

Said that since Medicaid privatization 40,000 Iowans have been denied services and health care providers are not being paid for services.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · Oct. 28, 2018

Record

Voted no on SF 2422, a bill changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness plan; it passed 27-16 on 2026-04-30.newsIowa Ledger · April 30, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 84: relating to noneconomic, punitive, and exemplary damage awards against health care providers and hospitals.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 132: relating to Medicaid coverage of maternity care including doula care.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 324: relating to provision of the state family planning services under the Medicaid program, and including effective date provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Show 6 more

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 339: relating to eligibility of pregnant women and infants for the Medicaid program.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 414: relating to the review and approval by the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing of housing and health care facility acquisitions by private equity firms.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 417: relating to insurance coverage and Medicaid coverage for annual lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 558: relating to Medicaid program improvements, making an appropriation, and providing penalties.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2048: relating to insurance coverage and Medicaid coverage for annual lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2102: relating to health care coverage of certain public school district personnel under the state health insurance plan, providing fees, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Jobs & economy1 statement1 vote N · 7 other records

Positions

Her campaign site lists education and workforce development, healthcare access and public safety, economic growth, and landowner rights and environmental protections as issues.campaignDonahue for Iowa · Oct. 17, 2026

Record

Voted no on SF 607, a bill cutting the unemployment insurance tax paid by employers; it passed 32-16 on 2025-05-14.newsIowa Ledger · May 14, 2025

The Iowa Legislature lists her as a Democratic state senator for District 37 and Ranking Member of the Workforce committee.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 17, 2026

The Iowa Legislature lists her on the Appropriations, Education, Health and Human Services, Rules and Administration, and Workforce committees.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 17, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 78: relating to certain specified skilled trades, including modifying provisions related to department of workforce development internship programs, the Iowa summer youth corps program, college student aid commission programs, the senior year plus program, the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative within the innovation division of the department of education, and curricula provided in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to include the skilled trades, and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Show 4 more

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 157: relating to the maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 358: relating to the maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year to an individual laid off due to an employer going out of business.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 372: concerning eligibility for unemployment benefits.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2247: relating to persons prohibited from participating in economic development programs.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Labor & unions1 vote N

Positions

None found.

Record

Voted no on SF 472, a bill requiring public-sector unions to hold periodic recertification elections; it passed 32-15 on 2025-03-10.newsIowa Ledger · March 10, 2025

Housing3 other records

Positions

None found.

Record

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 357: establishing a neighborhood housing revitalization assistance program within the Iowa finance authority.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 436: removing the maximum annual amount of real estate transfer tax receipts that may be transferred into the housing trust fund.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Eminent domain1 vote Y

Positions

None found.

Record

Voted yes on HF 639, a bill limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domain; it passed 27-22 on 2025-05-12.newsIowa Ledger · May 12, 2025

Water & environment3 other records

Positions

None found.

Record

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 183: relating to water quality standards, including by providing for the regulation of animal feeding operations, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 435: relating to surface water quality by requiring the establishment and maintenance of riparian protection measures, providing for financing, and providing penalties.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2269: appropriating moneys to Iowa state university of science and technology for use by the Iowa nutrient research center in supporting the Iowa water quality information systems.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Public safety1 statement

Positions

Record

None found.

Guns1 vote N · 5 other records

Positions

None found.

Record

Voted no on SF 2263, a bill on the carrying, transportation, and possession of weapons; it passed 35-12 on 2026-02-24.newsIowa Ledger · Feb. 24, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2123: relating to identification markings on firearms and firearm parts, and providing penalties.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2125: relating to lost or stolen firearms, and providing penalties.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Show 2 more

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2127: relating to firearm safety training requirements for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers, and making penalties applicable.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2128: relating to securing firearms and establishing a private cause of action and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Schools & education4 statements2 votes NN · 21 other records

Positions

Said she would improve education through sustainable public school funding, recruiting and retaining educators, and special education and mental health supports.newsKCRG · Sept. 22, 2026

Her campaign Facebook page states she fights for working families, strong public schools, accessible healthcare, and the First Amendment.socialFacebook · Oct. 17, 2026

Record

Voted no on SF 2201, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 28-20 on 2026-02-10.newsIowa Ledger · Feb. 10, 2026

Voted no on SF 167, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 29-18 on 2025-02-11.newsIowa Ledger · Feb. 11, 2025

The Iowa Legislature lists her on the Appropriations, Education, Health and Human Services, Rules and Administration, and Workforce committees.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 17, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 58: relating to school lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Show 19 more

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 80: relating to the eligibility of students with individualized education programs to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 86: authorizing the boards of directors of school districts to appoint student liaisons to the boards.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 88: requiring boards of directors of school districts and the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve for civic or political events.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 102: relating to public school personnel training concerning mental health.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 113: relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent’s or guardian’s rights to make decisions affecting the parent’s or guardian’s child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 194: relating to the amount of compensation paid to school district employees, including by establishing an educator supplement for all fund to be administered by the department of education, and modifying the amount of compensation paid to teachers, certain employees with a license, endorsement, certification, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners, and teaching assistants, and making appropriations.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 199: repealing the education savings account program.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 382: relating to education, including by prohibiting the use of certain mascots to represent schools and institutions of higher education, establishing grant programs to assist schools and institutions of higher education in adopting alternative mascots, modifying provisions related to the Iowa tuition grants program, and making appropriations.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 453: relating to school district and area education agency funding and education savings accounts, and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 485: establishing requirements related to nonpublic schools that receive tuition payments from parents or guardians whose students are participating in the education savings account program.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2018: relating to special education, including by requiring accredited nonpublic schools to provide special education services to students enrolled in the school who require such services and modifying the responsibilities of area education agencies, and including effective date provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2080: relating to area education agency employee access to student records.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2133: relating to administrator licenses granted by the board of educational examiners and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2241: relating to charter school requirements, including reporting requirements, governance standards, financial accountability, and oversight by the state board of education.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SF 2244: relating to the education savings account program, including the establishment and requirements of qualified nonpublic schools.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of SJR 2005: proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of all youths of this state to a comprehensive public education.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Votes on file

YES
Voted yes on HF 639, a bill limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domain; it passed 27-22 on 2025-05-12.Energy & power plants · Iowa Ledger · May 12, 2025
NO
Voted no on SF 2422, a bill changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness plan; it passed 27-16 on 2026-04-30.Health care · Iowa Ledger · April 30, 2026
NO
Voted no on SF 607, a bill cutting the unemployment insurance tax paid by employers; it passed 32-16 on 2025-05-14.Jobs & economy · Iowa Ledger · May 14, 2025
NO
Voted no on SF 472, a bill requiring public-sector unions to hold periodic recertification elections; it passed 32-15 on 2025-03-10.Labor & unions · Iowa Ledger · March 10, 2025
NO
Voted no on SF 2263, a bill on the carrying, transportation, and possession of weapons; it passed 35-12 on 2026-02-24.Guns · Iowa Ledger · Feb. 24, 2026
NO
Voted no on SF 2201, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 28-20 on 2026-02-10.Schools & education · Iowa Ledger · Feb. 10, 2026
NO
Voted no on SF 167, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 29-18 on 2025-02-11.Schools & education · Iowa Ledger · Feb. 11, 2025

The race

State Senator District 37General election · Nov. 3, 2026

Molly DonahueDemocratic · ★ IncumbentThis profile
Randy MarzenRepublican

Source: Linn County Election Services candidate list · Oct. 7, 2026

Ballotpedia says she served in the Iowa House of Representatives District 68 from 2019 to 2023 and advanced from the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary.referenceBallotpedia · Oct. 17, 2026

Past races

Years come from the item text; a gray italic year is when the source was published.

2016
In the June 2016 Iowa House District 68 Democratic primary, Donahue ran against Sam Gray of Marion, and the winner faced first-term Republican Rep. Ken Rizer of Cedar Rapids.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · June 4, 2016

Campaign money

Campaign committee: Donahue for State Senate (IECDB id 2274).officialIowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board (committees) · July 14, 2026

Filings through July 14, 2026

Contributions since Jan. 1, 2025	$21,308
Contributions, all years on file	$676,662
Individuals and other organizations	$204,583
PACs and other committees	$140,878
Party committees	$331,202
Spending since Jan. 1, 2025	$6,192
Spending, all years on file	$265,295

Largest contributors

Iowa Democratic Party 9098$33,032
Richard Vague$10,000
Molly E. Donahue$7,753
Jennifer Donahue$6,900
Jen Donahue$6,575

Show all 10

Jefferey Halis$5,000
Kathleen M. Ulrich$4,655
Sunny Story$3,317
Robert Rush$3,250
One Vote at a Time$2,668

Individuals and organizations other than committees, all years on file.

Record in office

Votes

No
SF 2422 Changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness planPassed 27-16 · April 30, 2026 · Iowa LedgerHealth care
No
SF 2263 The carrying, transportation, and possession of weaponsPassed 35-12 · Feb. 24, 2026 · Iowa LedgerGuns
No
SF 2201 Setting a 2% growth rate in state school fundingPassed 28-20 · Feb. 10, 2026 · Iowa LedgerSchools & education
No
SF 607 Cutting the unemployment insurance tax paid by employersPassed 32-16 · May 14, 2025 · Iowa LedgerJobs & economy
Yes
HF 639 Limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domainPassed 27-22 · May 12, 2025 · Iowa LedgerEnergy & power plants Eminent domain
No
SF 472 Requiring public-sector unions to hold periodic recertification electionsPassed 32-15 · March 10, 2025 · Iowa LedgerLabor & unions
No
SF 167 Setting a 2% growth rate in state school fundingPassed 29-18 · Feb. 11, 2025 · Iowa LedgerSchools & education

Timeline

Years come from the item text; a gray italic year is when the source was published.

2026
Was absent for the final Senate vote on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed 41-1 on 2026-05-03.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 18, 2026Property taxes & budget
The Iowa Legislature lists her as a Democratic state senator for District 37 and Ranking Member of the Workforce committee.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 17, 2026Year is the source's publication date.Jobs & economy
The Iowa Legislature lists her on the Appropriations, Education, Health and Human Services, Rules and Administration, and Workforce committees.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 17, 2026Year is the source's publication date.Jobs & economy Schools & education

Undated

Iowa Legislature member page (Senate District 37)officialIowa Legislature

Bills sponsored

136 bills sponsored or managed on the floor. officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Schools & education16

SF 58School lunch and breakfast programs provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools
SF 80The eligibility of students with individualized education programs to participate in extracurricular interscholastic athletic games or competitions
SF 86Authorizing the boards of directors of school districts to appoint student liaisons to the boards
SF 88Requiring boards of directors of school districts and the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades nine through twelve for civic or political events
SF 113Children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent’s or guardian’s rights to make decisions affecting the parent’s or guardian’s child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools
SF 194The amount of compensation paid to school district employees, including by establishing an educator supplement for all fund to be administered by the department of education, and modifying the amount of compensation paid to teachers, certain employees with a license, endorsement, certification, authorization, or statement of recognition issued by the board of educational examiners, and teaching assistants
SF 199Repealing the education savings account program
SF 382Education, including by prohibiting the use of certain mascots to represent schools and institutions of higher education, establishing grant programs to assist schools and institutions of higher education in adopting alternative mascots, modifying provisions related to the Iowa tuition grants program
SF 453School district and area education agency funding and education savings accounts
SF 485Establishing requirements related to nonpublic schools that receive tuition payments from parents or guardians whose students are participating in the education savings account program
SF 2018Special education, including by requiring accredited nonpublic schools to provide special education services to students enrolled in the school who require such services and modifying the responsibilities of area education agencies
SF 2080Area education agency employee access to student records
SF 2133Administrator licenses granted by the board of educational examiners
SF 2241Charter school requirements, including reporting requirements, governance standards, financial accountability, and oversight by the state board of education
SF 2244The education savings account program, including the establishment and requirements of qualified nonpublic schools
SJR 2005Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of all youths of this state to a comprehensive public education

Health care9

SF 84Noneconomic, punitive, and exemplary damage awards against health care providers and hospitals
SF 132Medicaid coverage of maternity care including doula care
SF 324Provision of the state family planning services under the Medicaid program
SF 339Eligibility of pregnant women and infants for the Medicaid program
SF 414The review and approval by the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing of housing and health care facility acquisitions by private equity firms
SF 417Insurance coverage and Medicaid coverage for annual lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals
SF 558Medicaid program improvements
SF 2048Insurance coverage and Medicaid coverage for annual lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals
SF 2102Health care coverage of certain public school district personnel under the state health insurance plan, providing fees

Jobs & economy5

SF 78Certain specified skilled trades, including modifying provisions related to department of workforce development internship programs, the Iowa summer youth corps program, college student aid commission programs, the senior year plus program, the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative within the innovation division of the department of education, and curricula provided in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools to include the skilled trades
SF 157The maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year
SF 358The maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year to an individual laid off due to an employer going out of business
SF 372Concerning eligibility for unemployment benefits
SF 2247Persons prohibited from participating in economic development programs

Guns4

SF 2123Identification markings on firearms and firearm parts
SF 2125Lost or stolen firearms
SF 2127Firearm safety training requirements for a permit to acquire pistols or revolvers
SF 2128Securing firearms and establishing a private cause of action

Mental health3

SF 100Mental health resources for students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools
SF 102Public school personnel training concerning mental health
SF 2098Firearms, including background checks for acquiring pistols or revolvers, identification markings on firearms and firearm parts, trigger locks, extreme risk protective orders, mental health funding, certain firearm transfers, and certain related crimes

Property taxes & budget3

SF 262Requiring the establishment of the state percent of growth and categorical state percent of growth for two consecutive budget years during the first regular session of the general assembly
SF 439Allowing cities to certify taxes for a general fund levy for libraries
SF 2360Partial payments of property taxes

Water & environment3

SF 183Water quality standards, including by providing for the regulation of animal feeding operations
SF 435Surface water quality by requiring the establishment and maintenance of riparian protection measures, providing for financing
SF 2269Appropriating moneys to Iowa state university of science and technology for use by the Iowa nutrient research center in supporting the Iowa water quality information systems

Abortion2

SJR 1Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right to reproductive care
SJR 2003Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right to reproductive care

Housing2

SF 357Establishing a neighborhood housing revitalization assistance program within the Iowa finance authority
SF 436Removing the maximum annual amount of real estate transfer tax receipts that may be transferred into the housing trust fund

Surveillance & privacy1

SF 2350The use of automatic registration plate readers

Other bills88

SF 63The creation of an Iowa cancer research program
SF 66Testimony by certain witnesses by two-way closed-circuit equipment
SF 77Tort liability in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, including employer liability, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and exemplary damages
SF 79Creating a lifetime trapping license for disabled veterans
SF 87Insurance coverage for acupuncture
SF 99The regulation of tanning facilities
SF 101Increasing the state minimum hourly wage and providing for subsequent increases by the same percentage as the increase in federal social security benefits
SF 107Prohibiting the declawing of cats
SF 109A family leave and medical leave insurance program that provides for paid, job-protected leave for certain family leave and medical leave reasons for eligible employees of specified employers
SF 122The eligibility of children of a minor parent for the state child care assistance program
SF 123Funding of approved local preschool programs
SF 124The issuance of a subpoena or search warrant for menstrual health data
SF 129The submission and posting of certain hospital policies
SF 130Health insurance coverage for infertility
SF 131Evidence-based maternal and infant home visiting services
SF 133The provision of period products
SF 134Requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees based on pregnancy or childbirth
SF 144The creation of land redevelopment trusts
SF 147Wage payment collection issues arising between employers and employees
SF 184Modifying the periods of time to bring civil actions by victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation
SF 185Establishing a retirement savings plan trust
SF 187Wage discrimination under the Iowa civil rights Act of 1965
SF 188Health insurance coverage for contraceptive devices, drugs, and services
SF 189Medical malpractice by exempting claims involving sexual assault from the limitations on noneconomic damages
SF 190Establishing certain privileges for communications made regarding incidents of sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination and creating a special motion for expedited relief in such actions
SF 191Sexual abuse evidence collection kits, including testing, retention, and inventory requirements
SF 192Authorized uses of moneys in the victim compensation fund
SF 195Animal torture
SF 196Employment matters involving public employees including collective bargaining, educator employment matters, personnel records and settlement agreements, city civil service requirements, and health insurance matters, and including effective date, applicability, and transition provisions
SF 203The taking of black bears, gray wolves, and mountain lions
SF 209Insurance coverage for prescription insulin drugs
SF 223Appropriating moneys to the department of health and human services for refugee resettlement assistance
SF 263Employment matters involving public employees including collective bargaining, educator employment matters, and city civil service requirements, and including effective date, applicability, and transition provisions
SF 264Prescription drug affordability, including the creation of a prescription drug affordability board
SF 327Dental provider reimbursement under the dental wellness plan and the dental wellness plan kids
SF 336The ordering and dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives by a pharmacist pursuant to statewide protocols
SF 352State child care assistance program benefits
SF 353State child care assistance income eligibility requirements, and child care provider reimbursement rates
SF 355Overtime pay earned by state employees
SF 380Prohibitions on noncompete covenants involving nurses
SF 381Youth employment
SF 401The defenses of justification and diminished capacity for certain violent crimes
SF 434The creation of a child care solutions fund
SF 437Certain persons who leave legislative or executive branch service, including prohibiting certain employment, lobbying activities, and use of influence
SF 438The establishment of a 988 emergency service fund
SF 440Imposing fines for hazardous conditions caused by a person having control over a hazardous substance
SF 441The payment of dependent care expenses from campaign funds
SF 452Employment matters involving public employees including collective bargaining, educator employment matters, personnel records and settlement agreements, city civil service requirements, and health insurance matters, and including effective date, applicability, and transition provisions
SF 454Standards for determination of loss or permanent impairment for purposes of permanent partial disability under workers’ compensation
SF 455Requiring certain weekly workers’ compensation benefits to be calculated by including an employee’s overtime and premium pay, and to include an annual cost-of-living adjustment
SF 456The choice of doctor to treat injured employees under workers’ compensation laws
SF 505Codifying a firsthome program administered by the Iowa finance authority
SF 556Eligibility requirements for pregnant women, postpartum women, and infants under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children
SF 559Speech language pathologist assistants and the medical assistance program
SF 560Participation in the electronic registration information center
SF 561Allowing the use of ranked choice and instant runoff voting in local government elections in this state
SF 562Utilization review organizations, prior authorizations and exemptions, medical billing, and independent review organizations
SF 2014Creating the restroom emergency access Act
SF 2045Increasing the state minimum hourly wage and providing for subsequent increases by the same percentage as the increase in federal social security benefits
SF 2046Wage payment collection issues arising between employers and employees
SF 2047Insurance coverage for prescription insulin drugs
SF 2056Billing methods for distributed generation customers
SF 2073The minimum amounts required for motor vehicle financial responsibility
SF 2076A waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at accredited private institutions and regents institutions for students during student teaching experiences in the state
SF 2103The cessation of appropriations to the Iowa resources enhancement and protection fund
SF 2104Water usage reporting requirements for large water use facilities
SF 2106Residential rental property price fixing
SF 2108Facial coverings worn by peace officers
SF 2109A review of fire safety code requirements and enforcement mechanisms for basement egress windows
SF 2110The natural organic reduction of human remains
SF 2179The definition of beverage for purposes of beverage container deposits
SF 2225Property law, including rental properties, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, and actions relating to such properties
SF 2226The use of automated adjudication systems by health carriers
SF 2239A family leave and medical leave insurance program that provides for paid, job-protected leave for certain family leave and medical leave reasons for eligible employees of specified employers
SF 2242Radon testing and mitigation for the conveyance of single-family residences
SF 2243The operation of state government, including the commencement of audits, information made available to the auditor of state, and disputes between governmental agencies
SF 2245Audits of governmental subdivisions by the state auditor concerning suspected embezzlement, theft, or other significant financial irregularities
SF 2248Providing for paid family and medical leave to certain employees who have a child receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit
SF 2249Customer classes for large energy use facilities
SF 2261Confinement feeding operations by requiring the installation and operation of pollution monitoring systems
SF 2267Clean water projects and programs by requiring agencies to publish data regarding progress in meeting certain benchmarks
SF 2271Captioning requirements for motion picture theaters
SF 2272Providing for a veterans’ benefits and services poster for employers to display in the workplace
SJR 8Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to citizen initiatives to amend the Constitution of the State of Iowa
SJR 10Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa limiting years of service for members of the general assembly
SJR 2009Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to corporate participation in the political process
SR 101Honoring Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, Staff Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, and their families
SR 111Recognizing the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Northern Iowa

Positions & statements

7 statements are grouped above under Surveillance & privacy, Data centers, Mental health, Health care, Jobs & economy, Public safety, Schools & education. Also said:

Said her number one priority is making Iowa a place where people can afford to live, work and raise a family.newsKCRG · Sept. 22, 2026
Her campaign site says no corporation should have immunity from lawsuits for medical expenses, loss of work, or loss of life due to their products.campaignDonahue for Iowa · Oct. 17, 2026
Posted urging a no vote on Amendment #1 in November.socialFacebook · Oct. 17, 2026

Background

Years come from the item text; a gray italic year is when the source was published.

2026
Her campaign Instagram account describes her as the state senator representing Senate District 37 (Marion and parts of Cedar Rapids) and as ranking member on Labor, HHS budget, Education, and Health and Human Services committees.socialInstagram · Oct. 17, 2026
Said she has spent more than 36 years as a public school educator, primarily working with at-risk students and those with significant behavioral needs.newsKCRG · Sept. 22, 2026
2018
Said she was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, holds a master's in behavior disorders from the University of Northern Iowa, has taught in Cedar Rapids since 1990, and taught at her alma mater Washington High School working with students who have behavioral issues.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · Oct. 28, 2018
2016
Her 2016 candidate profile listed her profession as educator and political experience as union rep and union executive board, with a bachelor's in elementary education from Iowa State University, a master's in secondary behavior disabilities from the University of Northern Iowa, and an ASD in secondary educational administration.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · June 4, 2016

In the news

KCRG published a voting-guide Q&A with Molly Donahue, the Democratic candidate for State Senate District 37.newsKCRG · Sept. 22, 2026
The Gazette reported that a legislative panel voted unanimously to dismiss an ethics complaint over her social media posts about Moms for Liberty.newsThe Gazette · April 26, 2023
The Gazette published a candidate profile of her for Iowa Senate 37.newsThe Gazette · Oct. 15, 2026