Senator Renee Hardman - Contact Information

Renee Hardman is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves in the Iowa State Senate, representing District 16. She assumed office on January 12, 2026, and her current term will conclude on January 2, 2029.

Hardman entered the Iowa State Senate following a special election held on December 30, 2025. The election was called after the resignation of Senator Claire Celsi, and Hardman secured her seat by winning the special general election. Her victory ensured continued Democratic representation in District 16, which includes parts of Des Moines and West Des Moines. As a legislator, she has emphasized her commitment to community service, inclusive leadership, and policies that strengthen families and neighborhoods.

Born in 1960 or 1961, Hardman was raised by a single mother in Macon, Georgia, and later in Maywood, Illinois. She moved to Iowa in 1979 to attend Drake University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1983 and a Master of Business Administration in 1987. During her time at Drake, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, an organization that emphasizes public service and leadership among African American women. Her educational background provided her with a strong foundation in both human behavior and business management, skills that she has applied throughout her career.

Professionally, Hardman has built a distinguished career in nonprofit leadership and business. She currently serves as the president and CEO of Lutheran Services in Iowa, one of the state’s largest nonprofit organizations, which provides a wide range of services including refugee resettlement, foster care, and family support programs. Her leadership at Lutheran Services has been marked by a focus on strengthening communities and delivering results that make a tangible difference for families across Iowa. Prior to this role, she worked in corporate leadership and consulting, gaining experience in organizational development and strategic planning.

Hardman also has a notable record of public service at the local level. She served on the West Des Moines City Council from 2017 until her election to the Iowa Senate in 2026. As a council member, she was the first African American woman elected to the position, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater diversity in local government. Her tenure on the council was characterized by advocacy for inclusive leadership, community engagement, and policies that addressed the needs of residents across West Des Moines.

Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honors and awards. Hardman has been inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame and was named one of the “Most Influential Business Leaders” by the Business Record. She received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Service Award from President Barack Obama, the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, and the National Alumni Award from Drake University. These accolades underscore her impact as both a community leader and a professional dedicated to service.

As a legislator, Hardman’s priorities reflect her lifelong commitment to equity, inclusion, and community development. She has emphasized the importance of expanding access to healthcare, supporting education, and promoting economic opportunities for working families. Her background in nonprofit leadership and local government provides her with a practical perspective on policymaking, particularly in areas that directly affect families and communities.

Hardman’s election to the Iowa State Senate represents both a continuation of her public service and a new chapter in her career. Her combination of academic achievement, nonprofit leadership, and local government experience positions her as a distinctive figure in Iowa politics. As she serves her term through 2029, her effectiveness in advancing her priorities will shape her influence within the legislature and her long-term role in state governance.