WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) -State Senator Claire Celsi, a West Des Moines Democrat, died Monday after a months-long health challenge. She was 59. Celsi entered hospice three weeks ago.

Celsi, the founder of the West Des Moines Democrats, championed public education and care for the elderly during her time in the legislature. She also owned a public relations firm.

She missed nearly half of the previous legislative session because of an undisclosed health challenge.

Voters first elected Celsi to office in 2018 and re-elected her in 2022 and 2024.

Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner, a Democrat from Iowa City, described Celsi as a “fearless advocate and truthteller for women, the elderly, and public education.”

State Representative Jennifer Konfrst, A

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