Iowa Democrats pick health care firm CEO as new chairwoman

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Iowa Democratic Party has elected Andrea McGuire, of Des Moines, as the state party's new chairwoman.

The 58-year-old McGuire is president and CEO of a Des Moines health care company. She replaces outgoing state party chairman Scott Brennan, who did not seek re-election.

The state party's central committee also on Saturday elected Jim Mowrer as first vice chair, Jean Pardee as second vice chair, and Omar Padilla as third vice chair. Ken Sagar will continue to serve as state party treasurer, and Don Ruby as secretary.

McGuire, a married mother of seven, says she's looking forward to her new role and says "the next two years are going to be incredibly important for our party."