Fourth Democrat enters Iowa Senate race with Des Moines School Board chair Jackie Norris

DES MOINES — A fourth Democrat has announced a campaign for the United States Senate seat currently held by Republican Joni Ernst. Jackie Norris currently serves as the chair of the Des Moines School Board and taught government and history at high schools in Ames, Perry and Johnston.

Norris, a New York native, first came to Iowa to be finance director for Tom Vilsack’s 1998 campaign for governor. She was First Lady Michelle Obama’s chief of staff after serving as state director for Barack Obama’s 2008 General Election campaign. Norris also worked on Republican President George H.W. Bush’s “Points of Light” Foundation.

Three other Democrats have announced their candidacy for the U.S. Senate — Mason City native Nathan Sage who currently is the executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce; J. D. Scholten of Sioux City, who is a member of the Iowa House; and Zach Wahls of Coralville, who is a member of the Iowa Senate.