Shawn Olorundami

Shawn Olorundami is a public school teacher and Sioux City resident running to protect a Democratic-held seat in the Iowa House in November. Shawn taught English at North High School, led the award-winning Mass Communications program, and coached dance and track, helping students win state and national titles. As a teacher, coach, husband, and father, Shawn has seen firsthand how decisions made in Des Moines affect all Iowans. He believes lawmakers should focus on strong public schools, better opportunities for working families, encouraging local businesses, protecting natural resources, accessible health care, and laying the foundation for future generations to succeed.

Shawn’s district narrowly elected a Democrat in 2024, and this year, keeping Republicans from flipping this seat is a top priority. With the DLCC’s support, Shawn is mounting a strong campaign to protect this battleground district and help Democrats build power in the Iowa House.

Iowa is emerging as a historic opportunity to prevent a GOP supermajority in the Iowa Senate and break the supermajority in the Iowa House.

After nearly a decade of full GOP control, a series of DLCC-backed special election victories in 2025 — including wins in Republican districts — signaled a shift in the political landscape. These victories not only broke the Republican supermajority in the Iowa Senate but also proved that, with early investment, Democrats can win even in the toughest terrain.

In 2026, defending these hard-won Senate seats and making targeted gains in the state House will be critical to stopping Republican overreach and restoring balance in the legislature.

The DLCC is all hands on deck to keep up our momentum.