Liz Bennett is a Democratic State Senator representing Iowa Senate District 39, which includes most of Cedar Rapids and College Township in Linn County. Elected to her first Senate term in 2022 after serving four terms in the Iowa House , she is known for her advocacy on LGBTQ+ rights, passing the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Ban in the House three times under Republican leadership, and building bipartisan relationships. Notable achievements include Advocate of the Year from One Iowa and Iowa Safe Schools, Judy Rutledge Legislative Courage Award from Planned Parenthood, Pride Woman of the Year from Des Moines Pride, and Female First Honoree from the Young Women’s Resource Center. She serves on committees including Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment , Transportation, and Veterans Affairs, and on the Iowa Integrated Justice Advisory Committee and Kirkwood Community College Liberal Arts Advisory Committee. Previously Assistant Minority Leader , she works as a website expert for Wix.com, is a member of AFM Local 137, and volunteers with German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa and formerly Cedar Rapids AniMeals.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Double major in Politics and Women’s Studies with a Pre-Law emphasis from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA.
• Professional Experience: Worked with LGBTQ+ advocacy group One Iowa; private sector roles at Yellow Book and GoDaddy; current role at web company Wix.com.
• Political Experience: Iowa House Representative ; Iowa Senate ; served on Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council.