2026 Voter Guide: Iowa Senate District 15
Updated: 19 hours ago
Election: November 3, 2026 | Live. Work. Thrive.: Education, Economic Opportunity, Essential Needs and Justice
Iowa Senate District 15 includes portions of the south side of Des Moines.
Tony Bisignano (Democrat, incumbent) is the only named candidate on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot for this office. Voters may also use the write-in option provided on the ballot.
An uncontested election remains an opportunity to examine the public record and priorities of the person seeking office.
What does a State Senator do?
Iowa state senators serve four-year terms and vote on proposed state laws, taxes, budgets and public-service funding. Senators also participate in committees and consider certain gubernatorial appointments.
One senator cannot independently enact legislation. Proposed changes generally require approval through the legislative process.
Meet the candidate
Tony Bisignano | Democrat, incumbent
Bisignano is a longtime Iowa legislator and retired public employee. His background includes county government employment and labor-union leadership as president of AFSCME Local 1868.
He attended the University of Northern Iowa and Grand View University. His legislative career includes service in both the Iowa House of Representatives and the Iowa Senate.
The Iowa Legislature's official roster documents his service in multiple General Assemblies, including his present representation of Senate District 15.
His 2026 priorities include education, reading proficiency, property taxes, cancer research, the state budget and eminent domain.
Documented 2026 positions and proposals
1. Public-school funding and literacy
Bisignano identifies third-grade reading proficiency as a top priority. He proposes a proficiency requirement connected to advancement beyond third grade.
He also supports increasing teacher salaries and restoring funding and organizational structures to Iowa's Area Education Agencies.
These proposals would require further decisions about the content of the reading standard, implementation, student supports and any exceptions. The reviewed questionnaire does not provide those details.
2. Education savings accounts
Bisignano proposes an income cap for eligibility in the private-school education savings account program and calls for standards applying comparably to public and private education.
He does not identify a specific proposed income threshold or complete accountability mechanism in the reviewed questionnaire.
3. Property taxes
Bisignano supports continued attention to property taxes, particularly those paid by homeowners and older residents.
He identifies tax-exempt properties as an issue requiring further consideration. His questionnaire does not specify a complete new exemption schedule, tax rate or property-assessment formula.
4. State revenues and public services
Bisignano criticizes what he describes as unfunded spending on education savings accounts and tax reductions for corporations and high-income taxpayers. He raises concerns about reliance on state reserve funds.
These are his assessments of state fiscal policy. The questionnaire does not provide a complete alternative state budget or a new income-tax bracket schedule.
5. Cancer research and water quality
Bisignano proposes further research into factors potentially contributing to Iowa's cancer trends, including water quality and environmental conditions.
He supports research funding and assistance responding to identified causes. The questionnaire does not specify a new appropriation amount.
6. Eminent domain and private property
Bisignano states that eminent domain must serve a public purpose. He favors narrow limits on acquiring private property for private interests.
His reviewed answer does not specify a complete new statutory test or identify particular pipeline-permit provisions he would change.
What does his legislative record show?
The Iowa Legislature's official roster confirms Bisignano's service in the Senate and previous service in the Iowa House.
His legislative activity includes participation in committees considering taxes, government oversight, commerce, public policy and budget matters.
Archived bill research also identifies him as a co-sponsor of proposals involving minimum wages, paid family and medical leave, healthcare access and water-quality measures. For publication, each specific bill should be checked against the official sponsorship record, along with its status and any individual votes, before treating it as a verified legislative accomplishment.
A bill's introduction or co-sponsorship is evidence of legislative participation, not proof that a proposal was enacted.
What the available evidence does not establish
Bisignano's 2026 questionnaire identifies policy goals but does not provide complete draft legislation for each.
The absence of an opponent does not mean the candidate's proposals have been enacted, are universally supported or are exempt from public scrutiny.
Original sources and further reading
Research and editorial note
This NAACP Des Moines Branch guide is provided for nonpartisan voter education. It does not endorse or oppose any candidate. Candidate statements are distinguished from legislative records and enacted laws.
Research review updated: October 31, 2026.
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