Rich Taylor (politician)


Rich Taylor is the Iowa State Senator from the 42nd District. A Democrat, he currently serves as Assistant Democratic Leader in the Iowa Senate. Taylor has served since winning the election against Larry Krause in 2013 flipping the district after the previous incumbent Shawn Hamerlinck lost renomination due to a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him.
Born and raised in Mount Union, Iowa he graduated high school before joining the National Guard at age 17. After serving seven years he went on to become a licensed Master Electrician. He ended up working 26 years for the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison, where he was in charge of repairing and operating the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. He currently resides near Mount Pleasant, Iowa with his wife Annette and their two children.
As of February 2020, Taylor serves on the following committees: Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Judiciary, and Labor and Business Relations. He also serves on the Administration and Regulation Appropriations Subcommittee, as well as the Criminal Justice Information System Advisory Committee, and the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision State Council.

Electoral history