Future Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Zach Wahls (D-37) and Representative Joe Mitchell (R-84) conversed, side-by-side, with more than 80 people about the Iowa State Future Caucus’ work towards bridging the partisan divide. The “red-blue” interaction was hosted at Iowa City’s Big Grove Brewery on Thursday, February 6th. Sen. Wahls and Rep. Mitchell addressed polarization head-on, highlighting that even in an era of extreme tribalism, bipartisan collaboration is not only possible, but necessary. 

The event kicked off as Sen. Wahls commented on the “fractured” nature of politics in Washington D.C. and how it infiltrates its way into local Iowa communities. However, Rep. Mitchell reminded Iowans how infrequent full partisan brawls in the state legislature. “I think a lot of times we just see the big issues of immigration, abortion, and there are so many issues our there that we need need to work on that we can find common ground, that we can find common consensus for,” he noted.  

Although members from two parties with some major differences, both Rep. Mitchell and Sen. Wahls understand the importance of political cooperation in state and national government. The two legislators are founding members of the Iowa Future Caucus. The Future Caucus consists of other young legislators including fellow Co-Chairs Rep. Lindsay James (D-99) and Senator Zach Nun (R-15). Together, these young leaders partake in moments of pragmatism witnessed in events such as this and work together to draft bipartisan legislation and innovative policy solutions that contribute to a brighter future for the great state of Iowa. 

The Iowa City Press-Citizen wrote an article on this “red-blue” interaction — check it out here.