Ragan will not seek re-election

State Senator Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) has announced that she plans to not seek re-election following the end of her term this year.

"I want to thank the people of North Iowa for giving me the opportunity to represent them in the Iowa Senate," said Ragan in a released statement. "With their support, I have worked in a bi-partisan manner with Republicans and Democrats to make Iowa a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

A Rockwell native, Ragan has served in the Iowa Senate since 2002, representing Mason City and various counties in the surrounding area across three different district maps. Since 2012, she has been the representative of District 27, made up of Cerro Gordo, Franklin, and north Butler County.

During her time in the Iowa Senate, Ragan has focused on legislation initiatives that have expanded access to healthcare, been an advocate for people with disabilities, worked to make sure veterans can get access to services, protected workers rights, and supported early education.

"One of the joys of my service in the Senate was working to help my constituents," said Ragan. "There are times when the forest of government bureaucracy can be quite dense. I was already grateful when I could help people find the correct answers or contacts. I consider that the heart of my work."

After 20 years in office, Ragan has decided that it is time for something new.

"I've really been honored to serve North Iowa," said Ragan. "It's been a great experience and I think we've done some good things."

Though this will be her last session and her influence as a member of the minority party is limited, Ragan intends to keep on working towards her goals through the remainder of her term.

"I'm going to continue to advocate for the people I've always advocated for," said Ragan. "We need to continue to invest in education and make sure that we have quality health care for people and make sure that we have reasons to make people want to stay in the State of Iowa."

As for what's next, Ragan says that she hasn't made any decisions and is open to other opportunities as they come up.

"I may run for other offices at some point, but at this moment this is the right decision for me," said Ragan. "Who knows? One door closes and another one opens."