Molly E. Donahue, MEd, has a career that reflects a lifelong dedication to service, education, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive. As a state senator representing Marion and Cedar Rapids, she has become a respected voice in public service, combining her background in education with her commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change. In her legislative role, she serves on the Senate leadership team for the Democratic Party and is the ranking member of both the Labor Committee and the Health and Human Services budget, one of the largest in the state. She also serves on the Education and Appropriations Committees, where her firsthand experience as an educator continues to shape her advocacy for equitable access to opportunity.
Ms. Donahue’s academic journey provided the foundation for her effectiveness as an educator and policymaker. She earned an advanced studies diploma in secondary school administration and principalship from the University of Northern Iowa, following a Master of Education in secondary behavior disabilities from the same institution. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and teaching from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University. Her professional certifications include elementary education, secondary behavioral disabilities, behavioral specialist, coaching, and secondary educational leadership and administration.
Ms. Donahue’s commitment to advocacy has earned her several honors, including the Certified School Culture Advocate Award from Iowa Safe Schools, the Contemporary School Leadership Award and the Courageous Leadership Award from the Iowa Unity Coalition. Her dedication to exploring the intersection of education and social policy led her to author “The Rise of a Right Wing Extremist Parent Movement,” a book examining the organization Moms for Liberty. Through this work, she continues to engage with national conversations on public education, free expression and the responsibilities of civic leadership.
Before her election to the Senate, Ms. Donahue served as a state representative. Her entry into politics was driven by a passion for public education and a determination to improve conditions for students and teachers. Her involvement in the Cedar Rapids Education Association and her reputation as a strong advocate for education reform led her to run for office despite an early electoral loss. When she later won her seat, she brought with her an educator’s insight into how laws affect classrooms, communities and families. Her ability to interpret complex legislation and communicate its real-world implications has made her a trusted leader in addressing issues such as funding equity, workforce development and child welfare.
Ms. Donahue’s professional career began with the Cedar Rapids Community School District, where she has long served as a behavior specialist and teacher specializing in behavioral management. Her work centers on supporting at-risk students and developing programs that help them overcome challenges both in and outside the classroom. She has worked closely with students who have faced significant hardships, including those from foster care, families affected by incarceration, or homes led by relatives. Many of her former students have gone on to stable careers and higher education, and she remains in touch with several of them, an ongoing reminder of the impact of her work.
Looking ahead, Ms. Donahue is focused on expanding collaboration within the Iowa Senate to advance initiatives that improve the lives of working families. Her legislative priorities include supporting fair labor practices, addressing the state’s childcare challenges, and fostering economic development that uplifts every community. Through her continued service, she remains guided by her core belief that education, empathy, and leadership are the cornerstones of progress.