The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.

DES MOINES — Democratic Iowa state Sen. Claire Celsi, of West Des Moines, died Monday, after spending weeks in hospice care, her daughter confirmed in a social media post.

Celsi, who was 59, entered hospice care on Sept. 18 , according to her family. She missed a portion of the 2025 legislative session due to an undisclosed ailment but returned near the session's conclusion after undergoing surgery in April.

Celsi, a Des Moines native, represented Iowa Senate District 16, which covers parts of Clive, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights, since 2023. Before redistricting, she represented Iowa Senate District 21, starting in 2019. Celsi served as the ranking member on the Iowa Senate Governmen

See Full Page