DES MOINES, Iowa —

Iowa Democratic leaders confirmed Monday evening that state Sen. Claire Celsi has died.

Celsi, a Democrat from West Des Moines, entered hospice care in mid-September . She was 59.

Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City, released this statement Monday:

“I cannot begin to express how deeply saddened I am by the passing of our senate colleague and my good friend Claire Celsi. In her private and public life, Senator Celsi was a fearless advocate and truthteller for women, the elderly, and public education. Improving the quality of life for Iowans in nursing homes became her signature issue. Claire was an advocate for the vulnerable and voice for the voiceless, representing thousands of Iowans who felt forgotten by the political process. She often told me i

See Full Page