Claire A. Celsi (August 17, 1966 – October 6, 2025) was an American politician and business owner who served as a Democratic member of the Iowa Senate from 2019 until her death in 2025. She represented Senate District 21 (2019–2023) and later Senate District 16 (2023–2025) in Central Iowa.
Early Life and Education
Celsi was born on August 17, 1966, in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines in 1984. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology, cum laude, from Drake University in 2001.
Career
Before entering politics, Celsi worked in public relations and marketing. She was a public relations account executive at Flynn Wright (2002–2004) and Strategic America (2003–2005), and later an account supervisor at The Integer Group (2005–2009). In 2009, she founded The Public Relations Project, a marketing and public relations firm based in West Des Moines. She also served as an adjunct professor at Drake University, teaching courses in internet marketing, public relations writing, and social media.
Celsi was appointed to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Commission in 2010, serving for five years including one year as chair. She also served on the Iowa Great Places Advisory Board and the West Des Moines Board of Adjustment.
Political Career
Celsi was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018, defeating Republican Brian Bales in the general election. She was reelected in 2022, winning 58% of the vote against Republican Bradley D. Price. She served as an Assistant Democratic Leader and as ranking member of the Senate Government Oversight Committee.
Her legislative priorities included public education funding, nursing home oversight, water quality, mental health care, and worker protections. Improving the quality of life for Iowans in nursing homes became a signature issue; she led efforts to improve oversight of nursing homes failing to pay quality assurance fees.
Personal Life
Celsi married James "Jim" Walczyk in May 2009. She had two daughters and a grandchild. She was a co-founder of Iowans for Public Education and served on numerous community boards.
Death
Celsi missed multiple Senate votes beginning in February 2025 due to an undisclosed medical condition. She returned to the Senate in April 2025 after surgery. In September 2025, her family announced she had entered hospice care. She died on October 6, 2025, at age 59.
