Lindsay James

Lindsay James was born in 1980 in Portland, Oregon. She is an ordained Presbyterian minister who has dedicated her career to public service, first in ministry and chaplaincy roles, and later in elected office. She is married to Rev. Dr. Chris James, a professor of practical theology at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and has two children. James is an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Dubuque and has been involved in community leadership through the NAACP and as a city commissioner.

Education

James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Santa Clara University and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary .

Political Experience

Current Position

James serves as a Democratic member of the Iowa House of Representatives representing District 71, a seat she has held since 2023. She holds the position of Minority Whip in the Democratic caucus, making her the second-highest-ranking Democrat in the chamber.

Prior Legislative Service

Before her current assignment, James served in the Iowa House representing District 99 from 2019 to 2022, where she was elected as Assistant Minority Leader .

Notable Achievements

Throughout her legislative career, James has earned recognition as a bridge-builder and advocate for working families. Her key accomplishments include co-founding Iowa's first bipartisan, bicameral caucus to break down partisan barriers; expanding access to affordable insulin for Iowans; protecting mobile home residents from predatory corporate practices; championing affordable housing and mental health care initiatives; and helping pass historic racial justice reform legislation.

Congressional Campaign

On August 19, 2025, James announced her candidacy for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District in the 2026 U.S. House of Representatives election, running as the Democratic nominee against incumbent Republican Ashley Hinson.