Meet Jack Lucas, Joe Mitchell’s ‘Jack’ of all trades

Hello District 84! My name is Jack Lucas and I’ve had the privilege of working for Joe this spring.

My time in the Iowa House first started when I was a senior in high school, when I became a page for Majority Leader Chris Haggenow. That semester was one of the best experiences I could have asked for.

Walking through the doors of such a beautiful building every day ignited a passion for my job that I never thought would be possible. Being so physically close to the process of lawmaking was a dream come true, and I desperately hoped for similar opportunities as I left Iowa for college.

I went to school at SMU, or Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas. I loved every minute of my college experience, completing internships in the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and in Senator Grassley’s DC Office during my time in school.

After applying to law school this past fall, I graduated early and wanted something fun to do. So I reached out to Joe, and he brought me on as his clerk, chief of staff, campaign manager, assistant, or whatever other labels cover the work I do.

Working for Joe has been a blast, but my favorite part of the job has been meeting the people he’s surrounded himself with. Joe’s family, friends, and supporters are some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve met in my life.

Every day, I grow more impressed with the community of Southeast Iowa, and I recognize the compassion shown to Joe as such a fundamental and underrated component of the democratic process.

To everyone who sends Joe emails, opens the door when he knocks, and cares enough to read a weekly legislative newsletter: Thank you. This system doesn’t work without you.

Over the next few months, I’ll be helping Joe out on the campaign trail. In August I’ll be heading to Cambridge to start my first year at Harvard Law School, but until then I’ll be knocking on doors. Make sure to say hello if you see me! Thank you for everything.

Update at the State House

Our chamber didn’t hold session this week, making it a very slow legislative news cycle for the Iowa House.

The Senate passed some of our good bills that will now head to the governor’s desk, and we’ll be back in Des Moines this upcoming week to pass more budgets and other essential legislative items.

Because we weren’t in session, I was back home in the district talking with members of the community.