IA · Officeholder
DState Representative · District 71
On the ballot Nov 3, 2026: U.S. House · Iowa's 2nd District
James is a Democratic member of the Iowa House of Representatives from Dubuque, an ordained Presbyterian pastor, and a co-founder of the Loras College Peace Institute. She was first elected to the Iowa House in 2018, serves as House minority whip, and won the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary for this open seat.[1][2][4]
James was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from West Linn High School in 1999. She earned a communications degree from Santa Clara University in 2003 and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2007.[1][2][4]
Her ministry began at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, where she served from 2007 to 2010, and continued as an interfaith chaplain at Endicott College (2012-2015) and an associate pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church (2016-2017).[2] She has taught as an adjunct instructor at the University of Dubuque since 2015, and in 2017 she co-founded the Loras College Peace Institute, which she directed.[1][2] She has also served on the board of the Children of Abraham Interfaith Council, as chair of religious affairs for the NAACP Dubuque Chapter, and as chair of the Dubuque Community Development Advisory Commission.[1]
James won an open Iowa House seat in District 99 in 2018, with about 60% of the vote, after Abby Finkenauer left it to run for Congress. She was re-elected in 2020, in 2022 (after redistricting, in District 71), and in 2024.[2] She was elected minority whip of the House Democratic leadership team in 2022 and has held that role since taking office in 2023.[2][4] Her committee assignments in 2023-2024 included Government Oversight (as ranking member) and Judiciary; in 2025-2026 they are Commerce, Environmental Protection, Judiciary, and Ways and Means.[1]
James announced her campaign for Iowa's 2nd District on August 19, 2025, saying she would focus on health care and housing costs, and defeated Clint Twedt-Ball and Kathryn Dolter in the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary.[2][3] According to Wikipedia, she lives in Dubuque with her husband and their two children.[2]
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21.
Their recorded votes on bills that divided the chamber (unanimous votes left out), grouped by topic. A bill can sit under more than one topic. "With" and "against" compare each vote with how most Democrats voted. How topics are assigned
Most contested
Directs the state to seek federal approval to limit food stamp (SNAP) purchases to healthy foods, and, once approved, provides $1 million in grants for the Double Up Food Bucks program, which helps SNAP recipients buy fruits and vegetables.
Mar 26, 2025 · Passed 56–40 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
On the version voted Mar 24, 2026: Replaces the premium tax on health maintenance organizations with a new health care-related tax, transfers about $347 million from the taxpayer relief fund to the general fund, and adds $89 million to Medicaid for the fiscal year ending June 2026.
Mar 19, 2026 · Passed 53–40 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Creates state grants of up to $100,000, matched dollar for dollar, for grocery stores whose owners have 10 or fewer stores, favoring the smallest communities, plus grants to expand processing of Iowa-grown fruits and vegetables, paid from a new fund.
Apr 24, 2025 · Failed 31–58 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Most contested
Allows school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to employ chaplains, or engage unpaid chaplains, to support students without a state license; bars requiring students to use them or using a chaplain instead of a school counselor.
Mar 26, 2025 · Passed 57–39 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Establishing a center for intellectual freedom at the university of Iowa
Establishes a center for intellectual freedom at the University of Iowa to teach and research ideas shaping the American constitutional order, offer free speech and civil discourse programming, and offer an American history and civil government course.
Mar 18, 2025 · Passed 60–37 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Requires regents universities to set general education requirements totaling at most 37 credit hours, including western and American heritage, and bars those courses from distorting historical events or teaching identity politics or that systemic racism or privilege is inherent in U.S. or Iowa institutions.
Mar 18, 2025 · Passed 61–36 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Most contested
Designating kratom as a schedule I controlled substance, and making penalties applicable
Adds kratom, including its plant parts, synthetic equivalents and compounds such as mitragynine, to the state's list of schedule I controlled substances, making possession a serious misdemeanor for a first offense, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses.
Mar 17, 2026 · Failed 44–51 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Changes how criminal fines are divided, from 91% for the state court administrator and 9% for counties to 85% and 8%, sending the remaining 7% to a new victim restitution fund run by the Department of Justice.
Apr 23, 2025 · Failed 35–58 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Concerning the duties of county commissioners and county auditors
Raises from $1,000 to $50,000 the cost above which county election commissioners must take bids, allows informal bidding at or below that amount, and removes many county auditor duties and a bond-indexing requirement.
Mar 27, 2025 · Passed 61–32 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Most contested
Designating kratom as a schedule I controlled substance, and making penalties applicable
Adds kratom, including its plant parts, synthetic equivalents and compounds such as mitragynine, to the state's list of schedule I controlled substances, making possession a serious misdemeanor for a first offense, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses.
Mar 17, 2026 · Failed 44–51 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Directs the state to seek federal approval to limit food stamp (SNAP) purchases to healthy foods, and, once approved, provides $1 million in grants for the Double Up Food Bucks program, which helps SNAP recipients buy fruits and vegetables.
Mar 26, 2025 · Passed 56–40 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
On the version voted Mar 24, 2026: Replaces the premium tax on health maintenance organizations with a new health care-related tax, transfers about $347 million from the taxpayer relief fund to the general fund, and adds $89 million to Medicaid for the fiscal year ending June 2026.
Mar 19, 2026 · Passed 53–40 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Most contested
Creates Gadsden flag "Don't Tread on Me" license plates with a $50 issuance fee and $50 annual fee, sending proceeds to state grants for firearm safety and right-to-bear-arms education, and drops the requirement that plate frames leave the county name visible.
May 12, 2025 · Failed 31–58 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Requires commercial driver's license applicants to pass a state English proficiency test starting by March 2027, makes driving a commercial vehicle without sufficient English a serious misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine, and fines carriers $10,000 per such driver they use.
Apr 15, 2026 · Passed 73–22 · against most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Relating to motor vehicle window tint, and making penalties applicable
On the version voted Mar 23, 2026: Bars driving with a front windshield under 70 percent light transmittance or front side windows under 50 percent, replacing the current excessively-dark-or-reflective standard, and exempts law enforcement vehicles.
Mar 25, 2025 · Passed 72–25 · against most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Most contested
Sets state rules for on-farm anaerobic digesters tied to livestock feeding operations, requiring Department of Natural Resources construction permits with fees up to $250, design standards, separation distances, and plans for spreading digestate on cropland, with violations subject to existing penalties.
Apr 17, 2025 · Failed 32–60 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Sets fiscal 2026 budgets for the state agriculture and natural resources departments and related programs from the general fund and other state funds, including animal disease preparedness, water quality and state park upkeep, and keeps money from selling state park land for that park.
May 13, 2025 · Failed 29–62 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
On the version voted May 2, 2026: Sets fiscal 2027 budgets for the state agriculture and natural resources departments and related programs, adds $18 million from the infrastructure fund for water treatment aid and a new rural infrastructure bank loan fund, and raises the maximum water treatment grant to $1 million.
May 1, 2026 · Failed 27–59 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Most contested
Appropriates FY 2026-27 money to the Economic Development Authority, Finance Authority, Workforce Development, and regents universities, and codifies the housing renewal program, with repayments retained by the nonprofit Iowa affiliate for new awards.
Apr 28, 2026 · Failed 26–62 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Relating to the ability of property owners to protest proposed changes in zoning districts
On the version voted Apr 29, 2026: Repeals the right of property owners to file a written protest against a proposed zoning district change, which currently requires a three-fourths council vote to override when filed by owners of 20 percent of nearby land.
Apr 8, 2026 · Passed 75–18 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Relating to county and city regulation of accessory dwelling units
Requires cities and counties to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit, up to 1,000 square feet or half the home's size, whichever is larger, on single-family lots, bars stricter rules on setbacks, parking, owner occupancy and design, and requires permit approval without discretionary review.
Apr 8, 2025 · Passed 89–7 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Most contested
On the version voted Apr 28, 2025: Changes the ban on flying drones over others' farms to cover flights, without the owner's consent, within 400 feet of farm animals, equipment or structures on farmsteads outside city limits with at least $15,000 in farm sales the prior year, and broadens what counts as drone surveillance.
Apr 8, 2025 · Passed 89–7 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
On the version voted Apr 22, 2026: Extends the sales tax exemption on central office and transmission equipment bought by phone, cable, wireless and similar providers to equipment used to provide internet access, and drops the requirement that the equipment be used primarily for telecommunications.
Apr 21, 2025 · Passed 87–4 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Relating to the use of synthetic media in campaign materials, and making penalties applicable
Requires campaign materials containing synthetic media—realistic but false images, audio or video of a person made with digital technology—to prominently state “THIS CONTENT GENERATED USING SYNTHETIC MEDIA,” making whoever pays for the material responsible for the disclosure.
Mar 12, 2026 · Passed 89–2 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Most contested
Modifying provisions related to the national guard service scholarship program
On the version voted Apr 9, 2025: Caps National Guard service scholarships at the member's tuition minus federal military tuition aid received, and removes the rule that awards cannot depend on a member's unit, drill location or Army versus Air Guard branch.
Jan 30, 2025 · Failed 31–68 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Relating to the applicability of actions of certain international organizations
Declares that actions of the United Nations, its agencies and the World Economic Forum are not binding in Iowa, bars state and local governments from enforcing them, and requires the attorney general to seek court orders against violations.
May 12, 2025 · Passed 89–1 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Lets Iowa residents who are current or former members of the Iowa National Guard or an Iowa reserve unit, with satisfactory or honorable service, serve on county veteran affairs commissions; executive directors must still be veterans.
Apr 13, 2026 · Passed 89–1 · with most DemocratsOfficial record ↗
Voted against most of their party on 17 of 194 party-divided votes on file.
Most often on: Rights & public safety (8), Jobs & cost of living (7), Health & care (4)
Relating to and making appropriations involving state government entities associated with agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection, and including contingent effective date provisions
What it does: On the version voted May 2, 2026: Sets fiscal 2027 budgets for the state agriculture and natural resources departments and related programs, adds $18 million from the infrastructure fund for water treatment aid and a…
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 6–20, Republicans 59–1
May 1, 2026Official record ↗
Providing for intervention by members of the general assembly in proceedings for judicial review of agency action under the Iowa administrative procedure Act
What it does: On the version voted Apr 30, 2026: Allows the Senate majority and minority leaders, the House speaker, and the House minority leader each to intervene in court review of state agency action, and lets other legislators…
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 5–24, Republicans 66–0
Apr 15, 2026Official record ↗
Relating to sufficient English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers, providing penalties, and including applicability provisions
What it does: Requires commercial driver's license applicants to pass a state English proficiency test starting by March 2027, makes driving a commercial vehicle without sufficient English a serious misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine,…
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 7–22, Republicans 66–0
Apr 15, 2026Official record ↗
Relating to bail and bond amounts and conditions
What it does: Limits release on one's own recognizance to defendants charged with nonviolent, non-drug misdemeanors, bars magistrates from setting bail below the uniform bond schedule without written justification, and orders the b…
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 8–20, Republicans 64–1
Apr 14, 2026Official record ↗
Relating to the prohibition of noncompete clauses in certain employment contracts entered into by the university of Iowa hospitals and clinics, and including effective date provisions
What it does: Directs the Board of Regents to adopt a policy barring University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from including noncompete clauses in employment contracts with physicians, nurse practitioners, registered and licensed p…
Voted yes · most Democrats voted no · Democrats 9–20, Republicans 61–0
Apr 13, 2026Official record ↗
The votes in their chamber that came out closest and most divided by party, among those they voted on. How we rank
Designating kratom as a schedule I controlled substance, and making penalties applicable
With most of their party · Failed 44–51 · Yes 44–No 51 · Democrats 30–0, Republicans 14–51
Mar 17, 2026Official record ↗
With most of their party · Passed 56–40 · Yes 56–No 40 · Democrats 0–32, Republicans 56–8
Mar 26, 2025Official record ↗
With most of their party · Failed 35–58 · Yes 35–No 58 · Democrats 32–0, Republicans 3–58
Apr 23, 2025Official record ↗
With most of their party · Passed 57–39 · Yes 57–No 39 · Democrats 0–32, Republicans 57–7
Mar 26, 2025Official record ↗
With most of their party · Passed 53–40 · Yes 53–No 40 · Democrats 0–30, Republicans 53–10
Mar 19, 2026Official record ↗
Establishing a center for intellectual freedom at the university of Iowa
With most of their party · Passed 60–37 · Yes 60–No 37 · Democrats 0–33, Republicans 60–4
Mar 18, 2025Official record ↗
With most of their party · Failed 31–58 · Yes 31–No 58 · Democrats 31–0, Republicans 0–58
Apr 24, 2025Official record ↗
With most of their party · Passed 61–36 · Yes 61–No 36 · Democrats 0–33, Republicans 61–3
Mar 18, 2025Official record ↗
Substantive votes concern legislation or nominations; procedural votes concern how the chamber considers them. A Yes vote applies to the motion shown, which may not be final passage.
Motion: Shall the bill pass?
Lets the state award one business a tax credit of up to 10% of its investment, paid over ten years, for a major project in a county of 50,000 people or fewer, instead of up to 5% credits for two businesses; credits are refundable and transferable.
Motion: Shall the bill pass?
On the version voted May 3, 2026: Replaces most homeowners' homestead property tax credit with an exemption of 10% of taxable value, from $5,500 to $20,000, starting in 2026, limits county and city general levies and other rate-limited levies to 2% yearly growth, and creates FirstHome Iowa savings accounts.
Motion: Shall the bill pass?
On the version voted May 3, 2026: Makes wide-ranging changes to state law and budgets, including corrections to 2026 acts, limits on standing appropriations, an insurer tax credit for health care access, a civil litigation abuse lawsuit, required American history and government courses at state universities, and judicial salary changes.
Motion: Shall amendment H–8494, to amendment H–8491, be adopted?
Amends the bill to remove its division that changes the 2023 National Electrical Code for Iowa homes (such as dropping arc-fault interrupter requirements) and bars local electrical codes stricter than the national code. (AI-written)
On the version voted May 3, 2026: Makes wide-ranging changes to state law and budgets, including corrections to 2026 acts, limits on standing appropriations, an insurer tax credit for health care access, a civil litigation abuse lawsuit, required American history and government courses at state universities, and judicial salary changes.
Motion: Shall amendment H–8490 be adopted?
On the version voted Apr 15, 2025: Proposes a state constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative chamber to raise income tax rates or create a new state income-based tax; it goes to voters in November 2026.
Motion: Shall the rules be suspended to consider amendment H–8488?
On the version voted Apr 15, 2025: Proposes a state constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative chamber to raise income tax rates or create a new state income-based tax; it goes to voters in November 2026.
Motion: Shall amendment H–8487 be adopted?
On the version voted Apr 15, 2025: Proposes a state constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative chamber to raise income tax rates or create a new state income-based tax; it goes to voters in November 2026.
Motion: Shall the rules be suspended to consider amendment H–8486?
On the version voted Apr 15, 2025: Proposes a state constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative chamber to raise income tax rates or create a new state income-based tax; it goes to voters in November 2026.
Motion: Shall the rules be suspended to consider amendment H–8485?
On the version voted Apr 15, 2025: Proposes a state constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative chamber to raise income tax rates or create a new state income-based tax; it goes to voters in November 2026.
Motion: Shall the rules be suspended to consider amendment H–8484?
On the version voted Apr 15, 2025: Proposes a state constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative chamber to raise income tax rates or create a new state income-based tax; it goes to voters in November 2026.
Showing 10 of 531 votes in this collection. Coverage may be incomplete; each entry links to the official record.