By MARY RICHE

DES MOINES, Iowa — State Senator Claire Celsi was one of those rare politicians whose legacy was firmly established long before her too-early death gut-punched her friends, political allies, and community. She will be missed as a strong lawmaker who championed progressive values and good government.

Even Governor Reynolds agrees and has ordered all flags in Iowa be lowered to half-staff and remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday October 25, 2025, to honor Senator Celsi on the day that her celebration of life ceremony will occur.

Our nominee will be chosen at a district convention, on a date soon to be set by the Iowa Democratic Party. So far, no candidates have stepped forward.

That vacuum led to the following idea — one that may be disruptive, unwelcome by some, and the kind of shake-up only confident women leaders can pull off.

There is no better candidate for Claire Celsi’s now-open Senate seat than former House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst.

Who else but Jennifer can ensure that seat remains a Democratic win?

Who else but Jennifer can carry on the legacy work of her close friend and ally?

Who else but Jennifer has the legislative experience and credibility to make an immediate impact in the Iowa Senate chamber?

Yes, that would mean she suspends her campaign in the IA-03 congressional primary. And yes, it would mean shifting her focus from a national race to a state one. It would disappoint some of her ardent supporters.

But leadership often means taking the harder path — especially when the stakes are high.

Many Democrats are already uneasy watching two strong, qualified women battle each other in the IA-03 primary. Donors are hesitating, waiting to see who survives June before investing their time, talent, and treasure. Meanwhile, Republican incumbent Zach Nunn continues to dodge town halls and accountability, while special-interest groups will likely pour obscene amounts of money into Iowa again, as they did in previous statewide races and also in the 2024 legislative races.

We’ve seen what that kind of special interest money can do. I’m still stung by those losses in key legislative races, though happy that some of those strong candidates are running again.

Wouldn’t we Democrats be prudent to spend our limited contributions in defeating Zach Nunn instead of each other in a Democratic primary?

This conversation — uncomfortable though it may be — is about winning. Winning in December 2025. Winning again in November 2026.

So let’s be bold enough to talk about what’s possible.

Claire Celsi’s legacy deserves nothing less — and Jennifer Konfrst is the one to carry it forward.

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