J. D Scholten, is a new Iowa House member, representing District Number 1, in the session of the Iowa Legislature that began January 9, 2023.
J.D. first entered politics in 2018, coming within three percentage points of defeating long U.S. House representative and embarrassment to Iowans, Steve King. J.D. ran a one-to-one campaign of listening to individuals and it was a partial district “D victory” as Trump won by 27 percentage points. He prides himself on always having outperformed the top of the Democratic ticket in his election races. He describes his campaign style as a PERSONAL CAMPAIGN.
J.D. was born in Ames in 1980 and he and his parents moved to Sioux City when he was 4 years of age. He graduated from
East High School in Sioux City, and attended Morningside College and the University of Nebraska. He played baseball in high school and college and has played internationally in 7 countries.
He served as a civil litigation paralegal prior to entering politics.
J.D. is supportive to the Iowa Women’s Constituency Caucus, and takes pride that he is recognized nationally as a male who was influenced to run for office because of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington.
His message to constituency members, “There are amazing women in Iowa, who have strong voices. Run for local office, on the church board, as PTA leader, School Board, City Council etc. Get involved. Just go do it”.
J. D. anticipates helping candidates west of Interstate 35 with encouragement, as well as fund raising. He wishes to teach others to use the elements of his PERSONAL CAMPAIGN style. He encourages talking with all citizens, not limiting interactions to just Democrats, but including no party voters, and Republicans.
He feels optimistic about the reorganizing of the Iowa Democratic Party leadership. He expects the R’s to become so radical they will lose with extreme candidates. He has faith Iowans will rise to save our Democracy.
J.D. has offered to assist with the Women’s Leadership Training to be held at Liz Garst’s River House in the Fall of 2023.
When questioned about his future plans, he responded citing the movie line, “How to make God laugh, have a plan!” We do know that he sold Sue City Sioux, his renovated Winnebago RV campaign bus. Sioux City Sue was his traveling home throughout the district for nearly 4 years, and was seen in numerous parades.
J.D. continues in his philosophy to STAND TALL FOR ALL.
The Iowa Women’s Constituency Caucus thanks him for his service.