Senator Cindy Winckler

Cindy Winckler is a Democratic state senator representing Iowa Senate District 49, which includes Davenport, Buffalo, and Buffalo township in Scott County. Born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 27, 1950, she relocated to Davenport as a young person and has remained an active member of the community throughout her adult life. Public service runs in her family—her father operated the snack bar at the Scott County Courthouse through an agreement with the county and disabled veterans' organization, while her mother served as a long-time deputy city clerk, city alderman, and mayor pro tem.

Education

Winckler is a graduate of West High School in Davenport. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Northeast Missouri State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from the University of Northern Iowa.

Political Experience

Before her election to the Iowa Senate in 2022, Winckler served 11 consecutive terms in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2001 to 2023, representing Iowa's 90th district. She currently serves as an Assistant Democratic Leader in the Senate.

Her career has centered on education and community development. She worked as a family and consumer science teacher in multiple Iowa school districts, including Davis County, Pleasant Valley, Calamus, and Davenport. She retired as a Quality Learning Consultant with the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency in Bettendorf, where she worked with teachers, administrators, and school districts to implement student achievement initiatives. She was named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers in February 2000.

In the Senate, Winckler serves on several committees including Appropriations, Ethics , Local Government, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, and Ways and Means. She also serves as Ranking Member of the Education Appropriations Subcommittee. Additionally, she serves as a commissioner on the Education Commission of the States and is a member of the Davenport Schools Network for Community and School Partnerships.