April 3 Speaker

Kimberly Graham

            Kimberly Graham is the current Polk County Attorney in Iowa, having assumed office on January 3, 2023, as the first woman elected to the position. A Democrat, she won the 2022 general election by nearly 14 points, succeeding John Sarcone, who had held the office for 32 years. 

            Born at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base in California to working-class parents, Graham was a first-generation college student. Before her legal career, she held various jobs starting at age 14, including working as a waitress, housecleaner, and a union flight attendant for 12 years—a role in which she helped organize for better wages. 

            She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California-Irvine in 1991 and her Juris Doctor (J.D.) with honors from Drake University Law School in 1999. Prior to her election, Graham spent over 23 years in private practice and public service roles in juvenile justice, public defense, and mediation. As Polk County Attorney, she has been working with a team of dedicated public servants to create a safer, healthier, thriving community – and working to end racial and income disparities in our justice system.