Oct 16, 2025 - Education

DMPS board chair Jackie Norris ends U.S. Senate campaign

Linh Ta

Jackie Norris speaking at a wooden podium with a blue sign reading "2025 State of the Schools" and a banner behind showing "Des Moines Public Schools". — DMPS chair Jackie Norris speaks during the 2025 State of the Schools in February. Photo: Courtesy of DMPS

Des Moines Public Schools board chair Jackie Norris is ending her U.S. Senate race after evaluating her campaign's "landscape" over the last 48 hours.

The big picture: The controversy with now-former superintendent Ian Roberts, plus a request this week for the state to reaudit the school district, "pushed us over the edge," she tells Axios.

State of play: U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst's decision to retire after her term ends has spurred a competitive congressional race in the state, with Iowa Democrats eager to break Iowa's conservative stronghold.

Several prominent Iowa lawmakers have announced campaigns, including Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Iowa Sen. Zach Wahls (D-Coralville).

What they're saying: The DMPS superintendent "crisis" took Norris' full attention and put her in "the crosshairs of vicious and coordinated attacks," she shared in a statement on social media.

"Those realities took time and oxygen away from the work I set out to do: stand up for our kids and families — and the backbone of our communities, their educators and caregivers," she said.

What's next: Norris did not file to run for the school board again.

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DMPS board chair Jackie Norris ends U.S. Senate campaign

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