As the new legislative session kicks off in Iowa, Speaker of the House Pat Grassley finds himself in the spotlight. For years, he’s been part of the Iowa State Legislature, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Charles Grassley, who served in the legislature decades ago. Pat, who stepped into the role of Speaker in 2020, faces a familiar question this year: What’s next for him?
Pat’s journey into politics started back in 2006, when he was elected to the Iowa State Legislature, the same place where his grandfather served. But now, as Speaker of the House, Pat is no longer just carrying on a legacy — he’s shaping the future.
A Focus on Property Taxes
One issue that’s close to Pat’s heart for 2025? Property taxes. He shared with Inside Iowa Politics that it’s a priority for him, and he plans to focus on finding solutions that make a difference for Iowans across the state.
The Grassley Legacy: A Family Affair
At 91, Pat’s grandfather, Chuck Grassley, is not just the oldest U.S. senator; he’s also the longest-serving Republican in Congress, a title he’s held since first being elected in 1974. With Chuck’s term set to end in 2029, people are starting to wonder what’s next — will he serve out his term? And if not, could Pat be the one to fill his shoes?
But Pat insists that he and his grandfather don’t spend their time talking about these future possibilities. “We don’t ever talk about those things,” he said in a recent interview. While Pat isn’t ruling anything out, he’s happy with where he is right now. “I really enjoy what I’m doing here,” he explained. And when asked if he would consider stepping into his grandfather’s seat someday, Pat responded, “I would never say never.”
Tackling Iowa’s Big Issues in 2025
Pat isn’t just thinking about his future. He’s focused on Iowa’s future too. Here’s a look at some of the key issues he’s tackling in this year’s legislative session:
- Higher Education Committee
Pat created the Higher Education Committee to ensure that Iowa’s three public universities are offering the best value for taxpayers. He wants these universities to produce graduates who can fill critical job shortages in the state. - Cell Phones in Schools
Expect strong support from Pat and other Republican lawmakers for Governor Reynolds’ push to limit cell phone use in schools. The goal? To improve student performance and support their mental health. - Carbon Pipelines
One of the hot topics in the legislature this year will be carbon pipelines. The debate centers around whether private companies should have the right to use eminent domain to force landowners to allow these pipelines on their property. Pat predicts more conversations on the issue, particularly as Summit Carbon Solutions, a company backed by Republican donor Bruce Rastetter, works to build a pipeline running through five states, including Iowa.
In the end, this session is about more than just the future of one family or one political leader. It’s about the future of Iowa — and how leaders like Pat Grassley are working to make sure the state thrives for years to come.
