Michael Gronstal

Michael Gronstal
Member of the Iowa Senate
from the 8th district
42nd (1993–2003)
Assumed office
January 8, 1985
Preceded by Tom Slater
Personal details
Born (1950-01-29) January 29, 1950
Council Bluffs, Iowa, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Connie Meisenbach
Children Kate
Sarah
Alma mater Loyola University, Chicago
Antioch College
Website Government website

Michael E. Gronstal (born January 29, 1950) is the Iowa State Senator representing the 8th District in the Iowa Senate. He has served since 1985 and is currently the majority leader and chairman of the Rules and Administration committee. He is also chairman of the DLCC, the national organization to elect Democratic state legislators.

Gronstal has supported efforts to increase renewable fuels in Iowa and in 2006, Iowa passed the nation’s strongest ethanol legislation in 2006. In addition, he is working to bring more biotechnology jobs and businesses to Iowa. Senator Gronstal has supported legislation to increase funding for community colleges and school districts. After the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage in the Varnum v. Brien decision in April 2009, Gronstal blocked a Republican attempt to overturn the Court's decision with a constitutional amendment. He released a YouTube video in which he quoted his daughter's statement that opponents of same-sex marriage in Iowa had already lost because her generation does not care about the issue.[1]

Gronstal was re-elected in 2004 with 12,480 votes (54%), defeating Republican opponent Loren Knauss.[2] He won re-election again in 2008 with 58% of the votes.[3]

Gronstal received his B.A. from Antioch College. Prior to serving in the Senate, he served one term in the Iowa House of Representatives. He also served as the chair of the Pottawattamie County Democratic Party from 1986 to 1988. Senator Gronstal and his wife, Connie, have two daughters: Kate, who is a transportation engineer at Stantec in Chicago; and Sara, who is currently Director of Forensics at Eastern Illinois University.

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Iowa Senate
Preceded by
Tom Slater
Member of the Iowa Senate
from the 50th district

1985–1993
Succeeded by
Gene Fraise
Preceded by
Elaine Szymoniak
Member of the Iowa Senate
from the 42nd district

1993–2003
Succeeded by
Bryan Sievers
Preceded by
Gene Fraise
Member of the Iowa Senate
from the 50th district

2003–present
Incumbent
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