IDP Chair Derek Eadon chats with activists

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Derek Eadon will step down as the head of the state party today, Starting Line has learned from multiple sources. IDP 1st Vice Chair Andrea Phillips will serve as the temporary chair and an election to fill the position permanently will be held at the State Central Committee meeting on July 22.

An email explaining the situation was sent out to members of the SCC late this morning in which Eadon announced he was resigning. He said he had been dealing with serious health issues in recent months that had been keeping him out of the office for too long and missing too many days of work.

[Update] The Iowa Democratic Party sent out the following statement:

“Today, with a heavy heart, I am announcing my resignation as the Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. In recent months, I have been dealing with health issues, and missing too much time on the job. Recently I have been diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia, a painful but non-lethal ailment that requires radiation procedures over the summer. Very shortly I will be back on my feet and knocking doors for Democrats. It is important that this party has a chair that can dedicate all of their time to this effort, and it is clear that I am not able to.”

“This is going to be an outstanding election for Iowa Democrats, and whoever is elected as the new Chair on July 22nd will be inheriting a great team, a solid amount of cash on hand, and fantastic candidates. I look forward to being helpful to the party in this transition, and most importantly wish everyone the best of luck. Thank you to the State Central Committee and other Democrats across the state for supporting me. The last five months have shown me just how strong this party is. I will be taking som much needed time off, and I am excited to see what Democrats can do this election.”

Eadon won the chair position back in January in a crowded field of seven contenders. There hasn’t been much chatter behind the scenes yet of who might run to replace Eadon. Frustrations had been growing in recent months over issues within the IDP, including the slow pace at which the annual Hall of Fame Dinner was coming together.

by Pat Rynard

Posted 6/29/17