Kara Warme is a Republican state senator representing District 26 in Iowa, which includes Marshall and Story Counties. Born in 1979 and raised in San Diego, California, in a military household, she now resides in rural Story County with her husband Bryan, married for over 18 years, and their two daughters. A fifth-generation steward of Iowa farmland, she has worked as a farmer, substitute teacher, school-based mentor, Sunday school teacher, and Spanish translator for new immigrants; she also founded and led an American Heritage Girls troop. Elected in the 2024 general election with 59.6% of the vote, defeating Democrat Mike Wolfe, she assumed office on January 2, 2025, with her term ending January 2, 2029. Notable achievements include chairing the Health and Human Services Committee and serving on Appropriations, Commerce, Technology, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs; her priorities focus on agriculture, small businesses, education, mental health, fiscal conservatism, healthcare, and veterans' affairs.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.S. in industrial engineering from Stanford University; M.B.A. from the University of Iowa.
• Professional Experience: 20 years in telecommunications and marketing leadership; Chief Development Officer and Executive Director of the YSS Foundation , a nonprofit supporting youth and families in Ames.
• Political Experience: First term in the Iowa State Senate , currently in her inaugural session as of 2026; no prior elected office.