Des Moines, IA— In a historic moment for Iowa, Rep. Angel Ramirez was sworn in today as the first Latina to serve in the Iowa Legislature. The ceremony was held at the Iowa State Capitol, officially marking the start of her term representing House District 78, which includes portions of Cedar Rapids.
“I’m deeply honored to serve as the first Latina in the Iowa Legislature. This moment is about opening doors for the next generation of Iowans who deserve to see themselves represented. I’m here to make sure every voice is heard and that my community is represented in the Iowa House,” said Ramirez, a Democrat, who secured her seat in a special election held on April 29, 2025, following the resignation of Representative Sami Scheetz. She won decisively, with 79% of the vote.
A first-generation college graduate, Ramirez moved to Cedar Rapids to attend Coe College, earning degrees in political science and social and criminal justice. She co-founded “Our Future,” a nonprofit fellowship program helping emerging leaders in the Cedar Rapids area. Ramirez has been an active advocate for social and racial justice, serving as president of the board for Advocates for Social Justice and working as a peace facilitator at the Kids First Law Center.
Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Iowa
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