Zacharia Wahls (born July 15, 1991) is a Democratic state senator from Coralville currently serving his second term representing the 43rd district. Wahls is the son of two lesbian women and has been a prominent LGBTQ+ activist since giving a viral testimony to the Iowa House in 2011 at age 19 opposing a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. He is an Eagle Scout, co-founder of Scouts for Equality (which successfully lobbied the Boy Scouts to end anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination), and author of a bestselling book about his family. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa and a master's degree from Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs. He was elected Iowa Senate Democratic Leader from 2020-2023 before resigning over staff disputes. As of early 2026, Wahls is leading in Democratic primary polling significantly ahead of Josh Turek.
Wahls was born July 15, 1991, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to two lesbian mothers. He moved to Iowa City at age 9. His mother Terry has multiple sclerosis, which contributed to his healthcare advocacy. At age 19, as a college freshman, Wahls gave a viral testimony to the Iowa House opposing a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, which became a pivotal moment in Iowa's marriage equality debate. The video received over 15 million views. He graduated from Iowa City West High School and earned a B.A. from the University of Iowa in sustainability studies in 2014 and an M.P.A. from Princeton University in 2018. He co-founded Scouts for Equality and led the successful campaign to end Boy Scouts' anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination. He co-founded Wahls Enterprises LLC and worked as VP for Community Investment at GreenState Credit Union. He was first elected to Iowa Senate District 37 in 2018 and now represents District 43 in Coralville area. He served as Iowa Senate Democratic Leader from 2020-2023. Married to journalist Chloe Angyal; they have a young son.
Opposes Medicaid privatization and cuts; supports healthcare expansion
Wahls made healthcare his top issue, calling for reversal of Medicaid privatization, mental health system reform, and fixing the individual insurance market.
Voting History: As Iowa Senate Democratic Leader and legislator, supported Medicaid expansion and opposed privatization measures
Pioneering LGBTQ+ advocate; co-founder of Scouts for Equality
Wahls' famous 2011 testimony defending same-sex marriage went viral. He co-founded Scouts for Equality to successfully end Boy Scouts' anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination policies.
Voting History: Has consistently supported LGBTQ+ protections and rights throughout his political career
Fully fund K-12 and higher education
Wahls calls for fully funding K-12 education and reversing cuts to Iowa's Regents universities.
Voting History: Supported education funding measures in Iowa Senate
Strong pro-labor stance; reinstate workers' rights
Endorsements from multiple labor unions. Calls for raising wages and reinstating workers' rights.
Voting History: Supported by Teamsters Local 90, UFCW Local 1846, CWA Local 7110, Ironworkers Locals
Clean water enforcement and conservation-focused farming
Emphasizes enforcing Clean Water Act against industrial polluters and reforming farm policy to value conservation.
Reduce influence of money in politics
Wahls has called for campaign finance reform and term limits, citing his experience with corporate influence blocking mobile home protection legislation.
Voting History: As Senate Democratic Leader, witnessed failed bipartisan mobile home protection bill due to lobbying influence
Wahls' voting record reflects progressive Democratic positions with particular focus on healthcare expansion, education funding, labor rights, and LGBTQ+ protections. Served as Iowa Senate Democratic Leader from 2020-2023.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid Expansion | Healthcare coverage expansion | Yea | 2023-01-01 | Consistently supported Medicaid expansion and opposed privatization |
| Education Funding | Full funding for K-12 and Regents universities | Yea | 2023-01-01 | Supported education funding measures opposed by Republicans |
Wahls' campaign tone emphasizes positive vision for change and leadership for Iowa families. His messaging reflects his personal narrative about family acceptance and supporting those left out of the political system.
Wahls launched campaign emphasizing that 'Iowa families are working hard but they aren't getting ahead' and calling for a new generation of leadership
Campaign launch framed around economic populism and generational change
View post →During his time in the Iowa Senate, Zach Wahls made a name for himself as an extreme liberal activist championing out-of-touch policies including high taxes, open borders, and letting biological men play in women's sports
Hinson's attack characterizing Wahls as 'extreme' and 'out-of-touch' reflecting standard GOP framing of Democratic positions
Wahls is backed by establishment Democratic figures while claiming to be an outsider
Turek has indirectly suggested Wahls' national Democratic support undermines his anti-establishment positioning