Sioux City Rep. Scholten Gives Retirement Speech

Two-term Democratic legislator reflects on his time in office before stepping down.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:28am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty legislative chamber, with a single podium standing alone on the floor, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the end of an era.As a long-serving state legislator departs, his retirement speech reflects on the bittersweet experience of leaving public office.Sioux City Today

J.D. Scholten, a two-term Democratic representative from Sioux City, Iowa, delivered his retirement speech to the state legislature on Tuesday. Scholten, who is leaving his position after serving two terms, reflected on his time in office and the freedom that comes with being able to openly share his thoughts as he departs his role.

Why it matters

Scholten's retirement speech provides a window into the experiences and perspectives of a state-level legislator at the end of their tenure. His comments offer insight into the challenges and satisfactions of public service, as well as the transition process for elected officials leaving office.

The details

In his speech, Scholten touched on the enjoyment he found in being able to openly share his mind as he departs his role. As a two-term Democratic representative for Sioux City, Scholten has served in the Iowa legislature since 2022.

  • Scholten delivered his retirement speech on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Scholten has served two terms in the Iowa legislature since 2022.

The players

J.D. Scholten

A two-term Democratic representative for Sioux City, Iowa, who is retiring from the state legislature.

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What they’re saying

“One thing I learned in this life is the enjoyment of leaving a job because you get to say what's on your mind.”

— J.D. Scholten, Outgoing Democratic Representative

The takeaway

Scholten's retirement speech provides a candid look at the experiences and perspectives of a state-level legislator at the end of their tenure, offering insight into the challenges and satisfactions of public service as well as the transition process for elected officials leaving office.