DES MOINES, Iowa —

Des Moines voters made history last Tuesday night by electing Rob Barron as the city's first Latino City Council member for Ward 1, while Mike Simonson retained his at-large position for a full four-year term.

Simonson, who first filled the seat last year after Connie Boesen became mayor, said voters' priorities remain consistent, with homelessness, housing affordability, DART, and public schools now at the top of the list.

Barron expressed his commitment, as the city's first Latino city council member, to fostering an inclusive and aspirational city government. He emphasized the need to tackle the issues important to residents.

"We need to build and approve more affordable housing. We need to address homelessness. We need to advocate with our legislature for reforms

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