DES MOINES, Iowa —Iowa Democratic leaders confirmed Monday evening that state Sen. Claire Celsi has died.

Celsi, a Democrat from West Des Moines, entered hospice care in mid-September. She was 59.

Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City, released this statement Monday:

“I cannot begin to express how deeply saddened I am by the passing of our senate colleague and my good friend Claire Celsi. In her private and public life, Senator Celsi was a fearless advocate and truthteller for women, the elderly, and public education. Improving the quality of life for Iowans in nursing homes became her signature issue. Claire was an advocate for the vulnerable and voice for the voiceless, representing thousands of Iowans who felt forgotten by the political process. She often told me it was both her honor and her passion to serve in the Iowa Senate.

As Claire dealt with health challenges, I admired her perseverance and determination to continue to serve her constituents and to be present at the Capitol. And she managed to leaven it all with humor, including during that last long night of the 2025 session.

She will be dearly missed. I extend my condolences and prayers – and those of our entire caucus – to her husband Todd, daughters Chelsey & Bailey, grandchildren Mia and Dean, mom Ellen, and the entire extended Celsi family.”

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart issued this statement:

“My thoughts are with Claire Celsi’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege to know her. She was a fierce advocate for public education, protecting Iowa workers, cleaning up our water, and improving Iowa’s mental health system. Claire always went the extra mile to make sure Iowans’ voices were heard by the legislature. Her hard work, dedication to public service, and compassion for others will be dearly missed.”

Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, said:

“Kevin and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Iowa State Senator Claire Celsi. Claire was an impassioned voice for Central Iowa constituents and advocated on their behalf for several years in the State House. Even while privately battling illness, Claire made it a point to return to her post during this year’s legislative session and stand for her beliefs. Our family is praying for Claire’s loved ones at this time.”

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, a Republican, issued a statement:

“Bob and I are very sad to hear of the passing of Iowa State Senator Claire Celsi. She served our state with distinction as a passionate public servant for her constituents. Our prayers are with her family, friends, and community during this difficult time.”

Celsi, a Democrat, served in the Iowa Senate since 2019. She was initially elected to serve the state’s 21st District, but after the 2023 district realignment, she then represented the 16th District, which covers parts of Clive, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights.

Celsi took a medical leave from the state Senate while awaiting surgery earlier this year, but she returned later in the legislative session and was present at the Statehouse when the session concluded.

Before serving in the senate, Celsi was a founding member of the West Des Moines Democrats. Chairman Al Womble reflected on Celsi’s profound impact on the community, “Claire was deeply involved in her community because she cared very much about her community.”

“She was a person who stood up and spoke her mind, and like I said, sometimes Claire could be a little bit spicy,” Womble said. “But for those of us who appreciate her standing up for working-class citizens, for those of us who appreciated her standing up for the issues that affect people all around the state, sometimes we didn’t mind that.”

Iowa political leaders react to news of Celsi’s death
Jennifer Konfrst, Democratic candidate for Iowa’s 3rd U.S. House District:

“I’m so sad to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague, State Sen. Claire Celsi. I’ve known Claire most of my adult life and gotten to work closely with her on the campaign trail and in the statehouse as we represented our shared districts.

Claire was always a tenacious fighter for what’s right and we were lucky to have her fighting for us. In honor of her, I wanted to share one of my favorite photos from 2018 when we flipped our seats with a bunch of badass woman at our side. We’ll honor her memory by continuing to fight for an Iowa where everyone belongs. I’m sending my love and prayers to her family today.”

Al Womble, chairman of West Des Moines Democrats:

“State Senator Claire Celsi, a fighter for seniors, schools, working families and friend of my family has just passed away. This is a devasting loss to our community and to my family personally. I am very sad to lose such a dear friend.”

Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh, R-Spillville:

“Senator Claire Celsi was a dedicated public servant, a passionate advocate of her beliefs, and worked hard to represent the constituents of her district. Along with the passing of Senator Rocky De Witt, this year has seen too much loss in the Iowa Senate. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and loved ones as they face this terrible loss.”

Iowa State Senate President Amy Sinclair, a Republican:

“The passing of Senator Celsi, while not unexpected, is no less heartbreaking. I appreciate her willingness to serve our state and her dedication to her constituents. My thoughts and prayers are with Claire’s friends and family.”

State Sen. Molly Donahue, D-Marion:

“Today, we lost a fierce, passionate voice for her constituents and for all Iowans. Senator Claire Celsi served with unmatched dedication, never afraid to speak truth to power, never hesitant to take on tough fights when her community needed her most.

Her tireless advocacy for working families, public education, and justice for all made our state a better place.

Claire’s absence will be deeply felt in the Iowa Senate, where her courage and commitment set an example for all of us.

But the greatest loss is for the family that she loved so dearly and who stood beside her through every challenge. My heart is with them as they grieve a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend.

Claire’s legacy will live on in the work she championed, the lives she touched, and the change she inspired. Iowa is better because she served.

On a personal note, I will miss her friendship and her frank conversations about the issues. There will never be another Claire Celsi. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

Deidre Dejear:

“Senator Claire Celsi was a fierce champion for Iowans. Claire never hesitated to be one of the first to support me in both 2018 and 2022, and it was an honor to share the ticket with her.

With the loss of our fellow freedom fighter, a cloud has settled over our state today. Claire was the light that was able to shine through no matter the situation. She brought joy, spirit, and dedication to everything she set her mind to.

While we will miss Claire, I hope we can all commit to continue fighting for the Iowa she’s always believed in. We’re all praying her family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time. Let’s make Claire proud.”

State Rep. Larry McBurney:

“Luisita and I are deeply saddened to learn of Senator Claire Celsi’s passing. Claire was a fearless fighter who never hesitated to stand up for what she believed was right, even when it meant going against the grain.

You always knew where you stood with Claire and I loved that about her. She was one of the first people to call me after I lost in 2019 and one of the first to congratulate me after I won in 2024.

Her integrity, courage, and steadfast commitment to doing what she felt was right will be missed by many. Claire made us stronger and we’ll keep fighting harder in honor of her legacy.”