DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Governor Kim Reynolds has ordered flags to be at half-staff to honor Iowa Senator Claire Celsi on October 25.
Reynolds has ordered flags to be lowered for a ceremony celebrating the life of Iowa Senator Claire Celsi. Flags will remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on October 25.
“Claire was an impassioned voice for Central Iowa constituents and advocated on their behalf for several years in the State House. Even while privately battling illness, Claire made it a point to return to her post during this year’s legislative session and stand for her beliefs. Our family is praying for Claire’s loved ones at this time,” Governor Reynolds said.
Iowa State Senator Claire Celsi, a Democrat from Des Moines, died at 59 years old on October 6. She was facing an undisclosed medical issue for several months.
She missed more than a month of votes at the state Legislature during the 2025 session beginning in February, returning after a surgery in April.
In September, Celsi’s family announced that she was entering hospice care, meaning she would no longer seek curative treatment. Further details were not released.
Celsi has represented Iowa Senate District 16 since 2023. She was first elected to the state Senate in 2018, and won reelection in 2022. In the most recent session, she served as the ranking member of the Senate Government Oversight Committee and was elected by Senate Democrats in 2024 to serve as one of four assistant leaders.
The State Capitol Building and flag displays in the Capitol Complex will be at half-staff. All public buildings, grounds, and facilities will also fly flags at half-staff in Iowa.
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