Aime Wichtendahl is an American politician who made history as the first transgender woman elected to public office in Iowa. Born in 1979 in Minnesota, she later moved to Newhall, Iowa. She pursued higher education at Kirkwood Community College and Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, where she graduated with a B.A. in journalism and political science in 2005. It was in the same year that Wichtendahl began her transition at the age of twenty-five.
Wichtendahl’s political career began in 2015 when she was elected to the Hiawatha City Council. Her campaign slogan, “Stand with Local Businesses,” reflected her commitment to supporting and developing local enterprises. Out of five candidates, Wichtendahl, Dick Olson, and Dennis Norton won the City Council election in 2015. She made history by becoming the first transgender woman elected to Iowa’s government. Wichtendahl was re-elected to the City Council twice, in 2019 and 2023, and was set to hold the seat until 2027 before her run for state legislature.
On November 5th, 2024, Wichtendahl won her campaign for Iowa House District 80, becoming the first transgender person elected to the Iowa General Assembly. She assumed office on January 13, 2025, succeeding Art Staed. As a member of the Democratic Party, Wichtendahl is an advocate for transgender and LGBTQIA+ rights, green energy, and small businesses. She serves on several standing committees, including Economic Growth and Technology, Local Government, Veterans Affairs, and Ways and Means.
In addition to her political career, Wichtendahl has worked as a customer service representative, retirement plan specialist, and website designer. She has been affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians Local 137. Wichtendahl currently resides in Hiawatha, Iowa, where she continues to champion the causes she is passionate about and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
