Iowa Senate Democratic leader Janet Petersen endorses Elizabeth Warren, plans to appear at campaign events

Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen is endorsing Elizabeth Warren for president, moving off the sidelines in the final weeks of the caucus cycle after previously saying she did not plan to endorse anyone.

"I made the decision to let people know who I’m supporting because our state does play a significant role with the caucuses, and Iowans are called upon to make up our minds earlier than the rest of the country," Petersen told the Des Moines Register. "I know so many people in our state are grappling with this decision because they believe the stakes are so high. … Iowans are truly looking to leaders to help them as they are making their final decisions."

Petersen is the highest-ranking woman in the Iowa Legislature, and she was the first woman elected to lead the Iowa Senate Democratic caucus. She was among the few top Iowa Democrats who had yet to endorse a candidate in 2020.

► More: Janet Petersen, a key player in the 2020 Iowa caucus

Petersen is scheduled to appear with Warren at an event in Des Moines on Sunday and another in Grimes on Monday. She said she's drawn to Warren's message of tackling corruption, securing rural hospitals and making advancements in maternal health care.

Petersen said that, initially, she felt it was her job to open doors for candidates and help them get to know the state, rather than endorse. But she said she's heard from many Iowa Democrats who are anxious about making the right decision.

"I've had some sleepless nights myself," she said. "… Iowans are really fortunate to get the opportunity to listen and learn from some of our country’s top leaders. But now it’s time to make up our minds."

According to a recent Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll, just 40% of likely Democratic caucusgoers said they'd decided who they will support in the caucuses. That leaves 45% who said they could still be persuaded to support someone else and another 13% who have not picked a favorite candidate yet.

“Janet came to politics for all the right reasons, and she fights for all the right things — her family, her neighbors, our children and our communities," Warren said in a statement. "I’m grateful to stand with her as we build a grassroots movement for big, structural change.”

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.

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