Gayman Stepping Down

Elesha Gayman Stepping Down

State Rep. Elesha Gayman announced today that she's not seeking a third term.

The Quad Cities Dem was an upset winner in 2006 when she knocked off GOP incumbent Jim (the elder) Van Fossen in House District 84. She fended off a strong 2008 challenge from Ross Paustian, who's running again.

Gayman was an early star of the Iowa netroots, and also worked on the Obama campaign during the 2007-08 caucus season. She's the youngest woman ever elected to the Legislature. (That record could be short-lived if Waterloo Democrat Anesa Kajtazovic succeeds in her primary challenge to Kerry Burt.)

The QC Times reports that Gayman "is pursuing consulting opportunities, including those overseas, and that she needs to pay off her student loans." The Times also indicates that a post-primary Democratic convention is likely.