DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Sen. Rocky De Witt has died after a battle with cancer, his official Facebook account announced Wednesday night.

De Witt was in his first term representing District 1 in Woodbury County, a role he has served since 2023.

Before state legislature, the Republican served as a Woodbury County Supervisor and was with MidAmerican Energy for 22 years.

“I consider myself blessed to have been part of Rocky’s family, and my opportunity to walk with him through the difficulties and triumphs of public service,” Kolby DeWitt, Rocky’s nephew, said in the post.

De Witt is survived by one living son and three grandchildren.

“I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Rocky De Witt. Rocky was a fighter, true winner, and a fierce defender for the Second Amendment as a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. As Rocky’s campaign treasurer, he was a true steward of all donations. Rocky didn’t lead by popular opinion alone, but by great example,” De Witt’s Senate campaign Treasurer Jake Jungers said.

Details of an ensuing special election to fill his vacancy have not been given at this time.

Statement from Gov. Kim Reynolds:

“Kevin and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a dear colleague and friend, Senator Rocky De Witt. Rocky spent a life dedicated to serving his neighbors in Northwest Iowa as a member of the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office before representing his constituents on the board of supervisors and, eventually, the Iowa State Senate. In just three years, Rocky made a profound impact in the state legislature, all while heroically battling cancer. Rocky was a dedicated husband and a loving father and grandfather. His family and friends remain in our prayers.”  

Statement from Senate President Amy Sinclair:

“I am privileged to have had the opportunity to serve with Senator De Witt.  His common-sense approach and grounded demeanor were a great asset to our caucus, as he faithfully served the people of Senate District 1. Despite his painful battle with cancer, he was selflessly devoted to our state serving his constituents until the end.  His legacy of public service to Woodbury County and the State of Iowa will continue to inspire me.

My heart goes out with deepest condolences to Rocky’s family, friends, and constituents.  He will be greatly missed at the Capitol and at home.  You all are in my thoughts and prayers as you work through this difficult time.”

 Statement from Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver:

“Rocky was a passionate defender of the rights of the individual. From the Second Amendment, to life, and the right of Iowans to keep more of the money they earn, Iowans could count on Rocky to protect their life, liberties, and pursuit of happiness. This year he confidently and boldly led on the second passage of a constitutional amendment requiring a supermajority to raise income taxes. His closing remarks gave us all a view into what he valued:

‘The Iowa state constitution does not belong to this chamber, it doesn’t belong to the House, it doesn’t belong to the governor, it doesn’t even belong to the State of Iowa. It belongs to the people of this state. It belongs to the citizens of this state, and they have entrusted us to protect that Constitution. Why? It is a barrier between the citizens and government. It’s not a guardrail, not a little lowly speed bump, it’s a barrier that guarantees those folks that voted us in their freedoms, and freedom from excessive taxation is real.’

Rocky and I developed an uncommon bond as we both journeyed through cancer diagnoses together. He was loved by everyone in our caucus, and he will be deeply missed by all of us. He was part of our Senate Republican family, and we mourn with his family just as we would mourn any member of our own.”

 Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner:

“My thoughts, and those of my Senate Democratic colleagues, are with the De Witt family this evening as they grieve the loss of their loved one,” Sen. Weiner said. “Sen. De Witt and I may not have agreed on every legislative issue, but I always respected his dedication to his work for the people of Iowa, even while battling his illness.” 

Statement from Democratic Iowa state Rep. J.D. Scholten:

“Rocky and I were in separate chambers and separate political parties, but we both agreed that we preferred being back in Sioux City with our constituents. My prayers go out to his loved ones tonight.”