Public service begins with people who care about their communities. Across Dubuque County, Democrats serve in elected office and public leadership roles at every level of government. Some offices are partisan, while others are officially nonpartisan, but each plays an important role in shaping our community.
From clean water and public schools to roads, wages, public safety, and neighborhood services, decisions made at every level of government affect our daily lives.
Dubuque County is represented by elected officials at the federal, state, county, and city levels. Each office has different responsibilities—and knowing who handles what makes it easier to ask questions, share concerns, and make your voice heard.
Use this page to learn who represents you and how different layers of government relate to one another.
Every neighborhood in Dubuque County is part of a few different layers of representation: districts, wards, and precincts. Together, they help make sure every voice is heard.
A large area within the State of Iowa that is used to elect representatives to state office, like the Iowa House or Iowa Senate. Dubuque is in the Second Congressional District.
A smaller area within the City of Dubuque that determines representation of the Dubuque City Council.
Your immediate voting area — the place where you cast your ballot on Election Day.
Every elected official has a different role to play. Some make decisions that affect the entire country, while others focus on issues much closer to home—like parks, roads, elections, or public safety. Understanding which level of government is responsible for what can make it easier to find answers, solve problems, and make your voice heard.
| Level | Who Represents You? | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | ||
| U.S. Senate | Two U.S. Senators represent the entire state of Iowa. | Make federal laws, confirm judges and cabinet officials, approve treaties, and advocate for Iowa in Washington. |
| U.S. House | Dubuque County is part of Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. One representative is elected every two years. | Represents our region in Congress by introducing legislation, voting on federal policy, and assisting constituents with federal agencies. |
| State | ||
| Iowa Senate | State Senators represent larger legislative districts in the Iowa Legislature. Most of Dubuque County is in Senate District 33, though parts of the county are in neighboring districts. | Helps write Iowa laws, approves the state budget, and votes on statewide policies affecting education, healthcare, taxes, and more. |
| Iowa House | State Representatives serve smaller districts than State Senators and are elected every two years. Depending on where you live, your district may be House District 71, 72, or another nearby district. | Works alongside the State Senate to pass state laws and represent the unique needs of local communities. |
| Local | ||
| County Government | Dubuque County residents elect the Board of Supervisors and several County officials. | Oversees elections, public health, roads, law enforcement, property records, conservation, and many other local services. |
| City Government | Each city elects a Mayor and other city-level leaders to local government. | Makes decisions about city services, infrastructure, parks, public safety, housing, zoning, and long-term planning. |
| Ward | There are four wards within the City of Dubuque. You elect a City Council Member for your neighborhood. | Ensures your area has a voice on issues affecting your community. |
| Precinct | Your neighborhood voting area. | Determines where you vote on Election Day and serves as the foundation for local grassroots organizing. |
Not sure which legislative district you’re in?
Your representatives depend on where you live. Explore the maps below or use the address lookup tool to find your districts.
Federal representatives make decisions about national policy, federal funding, courts, healthcare, veterans’ services, infrastructure, and more.
Dubuque County is part of Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. Iowa is represented in the U.S. Senate by two statewide senators. Current federal officials are Ashley Hinson, Joni Ernst, and Chuck Grassley. Dubuque County is not currently represented by Democrats at the federal level, but these offices still make decisions that affect our community.
Current Democratic candidates for Federal office are Josh Turek for Senate and Lindsay James for Iowa’s Second Congressional District.
Iowa Senate, District 36
Tom Townsend was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2024 and represents District 36, including the City of Dubuque and portions of Dubuque County. A Navy veteran, electrician, and longtime labor leader, Tom brings a deep commitment to working families, public schools, mental health care, and making state government work for everyday Iowans.
Iowa House, District 71
Lindsay James has represented Dubuque County in the Iowa House since 2019. A pastor, college chaplain, and founding director of the Loras College Peace Institute, Lindsay is known for bringing people together and advocating for healthcare access, housing protections, strong public schools, and accountable government.
County government shapes many of the services people rely on every day — roads, public safety, elections, property records, public health, conservation, zoning, budgets, and countywide planning.
Dubuque County Supervisor
Ann McDonough serves on the 3-person Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, helping guide county services, budgets, infrastructure, public health, conservation, and long-term planning for communities across Dubuque County. She is the Democratic member of the current Board of Supervisors.
Dubuque County Recorder
Ann Sweeney is a lifelong public servant with more than 25 years of experience in government, nonprofit leadership, administration, and public service. A Dubuque native and U.S. Army veteran, she returned home in 2019 and was appointed Recorder in August 2025.
Dubuque County Sheriff
Joseph Kennedy serves as Dubuque County Sheriff, leading the office responsible for countywide law enforcement, jail operations, courthouse security, civil process, emergency response support, and public safety services.
About Nonpartisan Offices
Many local offices — including mayor and city council — are officially nonpartisan. These leaders were elected in nonpartisan elections and represent all residents, regardless of political affiliation.
The Dubuque County Democratic Party recognizes the public servants below because they are known Democrats and because of their commitment to service, fairness, transparency, and accountability — not because these offices are partisan.
Mayor
Brad Cavanagh has served as mayor of Dubuque since 2021 and was reelected in 2025. A Dubuque native, small business owner, social worker, and former Loras College professor, Brad has helped lead the city’s work on housing, public safety, infrastructure, transportation, childcare access, and community development.
Dubuque’s City Council shapes neighborhood life, city services, housing, infrastructure, public safety, and long-term planning. The mayor and at-large council members represent the whole city, while ward representatives serve specific areas of Dubuque.
Ward 2 Representative
Ward 3 Representative
Ward 4 Representative
If you see these leaders and think, maybe I could do that, we’re here to support you!
Running for office starts with caring about your community. Whether you’re thinking about school board, city council, county office, or the state legislature, you do not need to have everything figured out before taking the first step. You just need a willingness to serve.
We can help you understand the process, connect with the right people, and take that first step with confidence.
