Currently holds the office of West Des Moines City Council - At Large until December 31, 2029.
Candidate for Iowa State Senate - District 16 in 2025 Iowa SD16 Special General Election.
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Get StartedRenee Hardman deeply values education as both a public good and a personal opportunity. Growing up in a family led by a single mother, she learned early the importance of resources, mentorship, and supportive environments that help young people succeed. Through her work with youth-focused organizations and on the City Council, she has seen how underfunded schools harm not just students but entire communities. She believes Iowa must ensure that public education is fully funded, with equitable resources across districts so that no student is left behind because of their zip code. Renee will advocate for increased per-pupil funding, investment in early childhood programs, support for teachers and staff, and modernized facilities and technology that prepare students for the future. She is also committed to strengthening connections between schools, community organizations, and businesses to help students become ready for both college and careers. Renee views education funding not just as a budget item but as an investment in Iowa’s next generation of leaders and citizens. Learn more
Renee Hardman brings to public service a strong record of fiscal and managerial leadership with an MBA, years of human resources experience, and time as a nonprofit executive. She knows that responsible budgeting, careful oversight, and transparent governance are essential to maintaining public trust. On the West Des Moines City Council, she has served on finance and planning committees and understands how city decisions affect taxpayers, services, and long-term community stability. She is committed to ensuring that state funds are allocated efficiently, avoiding waste and duplication, and focusing resources where they make the most difference. Renee also believes transparency is essential. Citizens deserve to know how their dollars are spent, what outcomes are achieved, and how decisions are made. As a legislator, she will advocate for strong audits, open-data reporting, and participatory budgeting practices that invite the public into fiscal decisions. Her focus is on making government work for the people, with accountability, strategic investment, and disciplined stewardship that keeps Iowa’s future strong and sustainable. Learn more
She has emphasized that economic equity means wages that allow people not only to survive but to invest in their futures. In the legislature, she will support policies such as minimum wage increases tied to inflation, tax credits for working families, and training programs that connect workers to higher-paying jobs. Renee sees higher wages as part of building thriving neighborhoods where local businesses grow, kids are supported, and communities become more stable. Learn more
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