Iowa state representative J.D. Scholten gave his retirement speech during Tuesday’s legislative session.
Scholten, a democrat, currently represents House District 1 and has been serving since 2023.
Scholten said he loves Iowa and Sioux City, adding being in the state legislature the past four years has been an honor.
He thanked many people, including his family, constituents, colleagues, and previous legislators.
Scholten said one of the best things he did was checking on residents during the 2024 flood and creating a pamphlet for them with information from different agencies.
He mentioned he is concerned about Iowans not being able to afford healthcare, corporations buying small businesses losing community connection, and federal policies impacting farmers.
He said he is unsure what’s next for him but remains optimistic and is open to new opportunities.
In addition to Scholten not running for re-election in House District 1, the other three Siouxland lawmakers who are retiring are Republican Matt Windschitl of Missouri Valley in House District 15, Republican Tom Jeneary of Le Mars in District 3, and Republican Zach Dieken of District 5 in O’Brien County.
