Hawkeye Reporter

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has directed that all flags in the state be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in honor of Iowa Senator Claire Celsi. The flag-lowering coincides with a ceremony scheduled to celebrate Senator Celsi’s life.

“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.

Senator Celsi served three terms in the Iowa Senate, representing the greater Des Moines metro area. She held the position of ranking member on the Government Oversight Committee and served on several other committees, including Health and Human Services, Natural Resources and Environment, State Government, and Transportation. She was also part of the Administration and Regulation Appropriations subcommittee. Celsi was a native of the Des Moines area, graduated from Dowling Catholic High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Drake University.

In September 2025, her family announced that she had entered hospice care. Senator Celsi died on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Flags will be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol Building, throughout the Capitol Complex, and on all public buildings and grounds across Iowa. The governor’s office has encouraged individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions to participate by lowering their flags for the same period as a mark of respect.