CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Delegates gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids Saturday to select the Democratic nominee for the upcoming special election in Iowa House District 78.
Angel Ramirez, a nonprofit executive and former educator, was nominated by the Iowa Democratic Party and precinct committee members to run for the seat vacated by former Rep. Sami Scheetz.
Ramirez, co-founder and executive director of Our Future Fellowship—a nonprofit focused on helping young people pursue careers in public service—previously worked as a peace facilitator at McKinley STEAM Academy.
The vacancy in House District 78 was created after Scheetz resigned last week to accept an appointment to the Linn County Board of Supervisors.
Scheetz was one of 17 applicants for the seat and was selected following interviews with four finalists. She replaces Ben Rogers, who stepped down from the board earlier this year.
The district includes much of southeast Cedar Rapids, including neighborhoods like NewBo and parts of downtown.
Saturday’s nominating convention was comprised of precinct committee people elected during the 2024 Democratic caucuses or appointed by the Linn County Democratic Central Committee thereafter.
The event functioned as a condensed primary process to determine the party’s nominee under special election procedures.
Candidates wishing to appear on the ballot must submit paperwork to the Linn County Auditor’s Office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, according to Auditor Todd Taylor.
