Sen. Rocky De Witt (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Legislature)
State leaders offered their support to family and friends of Iowa Sen. Rocky De Witt, R-Lawton, after his death following a battle with pancreatic cancer Wednesday.
Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, who in 2024 said he was receiving treatment for a brain tumor, said in a statement that he and De Witt had “developed an uncommon bond as we both journeyed through cancer diagnoses together.”
“He was loved by everyone in our caucus, and he will be deeply missed by all of us,” Whitver said. “He was part of our Senate Republican family, and we mourn with his family just as we would mourn any member of our own.”
The 66-year-old Republican represented Senate District 1, covering a section of Woodbury County including Sioux City and Lawton. He was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2022, unseating incumbent Sen. Jackie Smith, D-Sioux City. Before his time in the Legislature, De Witt served on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors. He also had worked as courthouse security for the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office and at MidAmerican Energy for 22 years.
Other Iowa leaders also shared their condolences for De Witt’s family and praised his service. Gov. Kim Reynolds said she and her husband Kevin Reynolds, who is receiving treatment for lung cancer, were saddened to learn about De Witt’s passing, saying he was a “dear colleague and friend” who dedicated his life to serving his northwest Iowa community.
“In just three years, Rocky made a profound impact in the state legislature, all while heroically battling cancer,” Reynolds said in a statement. “Rocky was a dedicated husband and a loving father and grandfather. His family and friends remain in our prayers.”
Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner said in a statement Wednesday she and Senate Democrats were also sending support to De Witt’s family.
“My thoughts, and those of my Senate Democratic colleagues, are with the De Witt family this evening as they grieve the loss of their loved one,” Weiner said. “Sen. De Witt and I may not have agreed on every legislative issue, but I always respected his dedication to his work for the people of Iowa, even while battling his illness.”
De Witt’s nephew, Kolby De Witt, said in a statement posted on social media that his uncle took his public service in the Iowa Senate and on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors seriously.
“The two positions Rocky held were honors that he did not take for granted,” Kolby DeWitt wrote. “Rocky understood that he was a caretaker of the two seats that he was elected to, and that they ultimately belong to Iowans. I consider myself blessed to have been part of Rocky’s family, and my opportunity to walk with him through the difficulties and triumphs of public service.”
A special election will be held to fill De Witt’s position in the Iowa Senate for the remainder of his term, until January 2027. The governor has until Monday to call for the special election.
