Grace Van Cleave

Grace Van Cleave is a candidate for State Senator District 17 Primary Election in 2026 in Iowa State Senate District 17, Iowa.

Small business owner and community activist in Des Moines, IA

Also running: Ronald Langston, Samy El-Baroudi.

Grace Van Cleave is a Democratic candidate for Iowa State Senate District 17, currently a small business owner and community activist residing in Des Moines' Drake Neighborhood. Her campaign prioritizes protecting reproductive freedoms, expanding healthcare access, and advocating for economic and social justice. With extensive experience in Democratic politics, including roles at the Democratic National Committee, EMILYs List, and working for former Iowa Governors Tom Vilsack and Chet Culver, Van Cleave is known for her tenacity. She is a vocal proponent for women's health, aiming to increase funding and address maternal and infant mortality. She previously sought this seat in the 2022 primary election.