Pioneer Lawmakers Association inducts class of 2026 in House ceremony

Members of the House of Representatives and returning lawmakers gathered in the chamber for the Pioneer Lawmakers Association induction for the class of 2026, where Representative Siegrist outlined the association's history and led a roll call of inductees and honorary members.

Representative Siegrist read the group's founding history and explained the society "had its origin in the reunion of the early lawmakers of Iowa" and later organized as a permanent society to preserve early state history. "That's the history, and that's why we're here," Siegrist said as he introduced this year's class.

Siegrist named members of the class of 2026 and several honorary pioneer lawmakers, and asked those present to stand when their names were announced. Among the members and honorees he read were Richard Anderson; Jeff Kaufmann; Bob Kressig; Mike May; Rick Olsen; Don Pettingale; Nathan Reichardt; Tom Schuler; Chuck Soderbergh; Walt Dominguez; Representative Beth West; Ray Zirchelbach; and honorary members Kelly Bronsick; Tom Cope; Mary Earnhardt; Dave Eppley; Anna Hyatt; Debbie Katterin Horn; Jeff Mitchell; Keith Saunders; Russ Trimble; and Brad Trowe.

Siegrist also asked new members to sign a very old, historic book associated with the association before they leave and announced a memorial service to honor pioneer lawmakers who have passed in the last two years. "Please, as you're done here, sign a book down there," he said, and invited attendees to the memorial service at the Senate at 6:00 p.m.

The session ended with the House briefly standing at ease to allow colleagues and families to greet returning members; later Representative Kaufman moved to adjourn the House until Thursday, March 26, at 8:30 a.m., and the presiding officer called the voice vote and declared the ayes had it.