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Natalie Dunlap

Natalie Dunlap, Politics Editor

(she/her/hers)

Natalie Dunlap is the Politics Editor at The Daily Iowan. She previously worked as a news reporter covering lower education, a politics reporter, and a summer news editor.  She is a sophomore at the University of Iowa, majoring in journalism and minoring in gender, women's, and sexuality studies.

All content by Natalie Dunlap
Former Rep. Dave Loebsack reflects on career in Congress in conversation on future of Democratic Party

Former Rep. Dave Loebsack reflects on career in Congress in conversation on future of Democratic Party

October 14, 2021
Jon Green stands at the bar with his girlfriend of three years, Eleanore Taft, as they wait for polls to close on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Green won the special election for Johnson County Supervisor with 66.1 percent of the vote, according to the unofficial election night results.

[Photo] Democrat Jon Green wins supervisor seat in Johnson County special election

June 8, 2021
Sen. Chuck Grassley speaks with reporters outside of Iowa City High School after a Q&A session with students on June 2, 2021.

[Photo] Senator Chuck Grassley speaks with Iowa City High students

June 2, 2021
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson, CEO of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Suresh Gunasekaran, Board of Regents President Mike Richards, and others break ground with shovels during a groundbreaking ceremony at the North Liberty University of Iowa hospitals and clinics construction site on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021.

UIHC breaks ground on North Liberty facility

October 14, 2021
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, speaks to attendants at the annual Reagan Dinner in Johnson County.

Iowa Democrats file ethics complaint against Rep. Miller-Meeks

October 11, 2021
An attendee poses with three corn dogs prior to Donald Trump’s “Save America” rally in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. Two venders were in charge of feeding the thousands of attendees that showed up for Trump’s rally.

Trump supporters on 2024, policy concerns

October 10, 2021
Former President Donald Trump greets Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, after endorsing the senator on Saturday night.

In Des Moines rally, Trump pushes election misinformation

October 10, 2021
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa., has a conversation at the Iowa State Capitol on Monday, January 13, 2020. The House convened and leaders in the Iowa House of Representatives gave opening remarks to preview their priorities for the 2020 session.

Former Iowa Representative enters U.S. Senate race

October 8, 2021
The Iowa Senate gavels in and begins a special session on redistricting maps on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.

Iowa Senate rejects first legislative and congressional maps

October 5, 2021
Members of the Iowa senate take part in the opening of the 2021 legislative session on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Legislative goals for the session include further tax cuts, expanding in-person learning, and moving towards economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special redistricting session approaches, elected officials tout Iowa’s process

October 3, 2021
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) speaks to a crowd on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021 at Ashley Hinson’s BBQ Bash at Linn County Fairgrounds. Grassley acknowledged the work that Hinson has done.

Sen. Chuck Grassley will seek an eighth term

September 24, 2021
Iowa state Senator Zach Wahls takes notes during a discussion series on Free Speech and Social Media hosted by the state Board of Regents, the University of Iowa Public Policy Center, and the UI College of Law on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021.

UI series on state and national policy issues begins with conversation on free speech online, features Sens. Sinclair, Wahls

September 22, 2021
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks addresses a crowd on Sept. 18 at her inaugural tailgate, where she criticized President Joe Bidens vaccine mandate for millions of workers, the Afghanistan withdrawal, and the border crisis.

Rep. Miller-Meeks launches reelection campaign with support of fellow veteran Sen. Cotton

September 18, 2021
Christina Bohannan does not want to abolish law enforcement

Christina Bohannan does not want to abolish law enforcement

September 17, 2021
The first plan for Iowas Congressional Districts from the Iowa Legislative Services Agency. (source: Iowa Legislative Services Agency)

Johnson County slated for 1st Congressional District in first redistricting plan

September 16, 2021
Andrew Dunn, an undergraduate political science student, stands at the Old Capitol.

UI student running for Iowa House

September 15, 2021
Gov. Kim Reynolds prepares for the State of the State Address within the house chambers of the Iowa State Capitol Building on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 in Des Moines. Tuesday marks the second day of the 2021 Iowa legislative session, in which Gov. Reynolds will give her address in the evening.

Iowa legislature called for special redistricting session

September 14, 2021
The outside of the Veteran Affairs Medical Center on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021.

Rep. Miller-Meeks pushes for veteran mental health hearing, crisis line improvements

September 12, 2021
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds delivers a speech during The Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday, July 16, 2021. Members of the crowd cheered when Gov. Reynolds brought up legislation that banned mask mandates in public schools.

Iowa Republicans blast Biden’s vaccine mandate

September 10, 2021
RISE at Riverfront Crossing on Linn St is seen on October 26 2020.

Iowa City population likely undercounted in census because of COVID-19 disruptions

August 31, 2021
Iowa Rep. Christina Bohannan encourages event-goers to support equal voting rights on stage during a rally for voting rights at the Pentacrest on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021.

Former U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack endorses Congressional candidate and state Rep. Christina Bohannan

August 30, 2021
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the road to the 2022 elections comes through Iowa.

Rep. Ashley Hinson announces reelection campaign, with support of Iowa Republicans, Sen. Ted Cruz

August 28, 2021
Iowa House Representative Christina Bohannon gives a speech during her birthday celebration in Iowa City on Friday, July 2, 2021. (Jerod Ringwald/The Daily Iowan)

UI law professor Christina Bohannan announces bid for Congress

August 24, 2021
Former secretary of state candidate Deidre DeJear speaks during a town hall event for Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif. at the IMU on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. Harris is running for president in the 2020 election.

Deidre DeJear second Democrat to enter Iowa’s gubernatorial race

August 15, 2021
Junior Adam Kroll receives the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the Iowa Memorial Union at the University of Iowa on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

Johnson County reaches substantial transmission, masks required in Iowa City’s public buildings beginning Friday

August 5, 2021
The Iowa City Community School District school board look over a draft of their health and safety guidance plan for the upcoming school year at a special board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. In the draft, the school board addresses the district’s approach to COVID for the 2021-2022 school year. (Ayrton Breckenridge/The Daily Iowan)

ICCSD exploring COVID-19 mitigation options for 2021-2022 school year

August 4, 2021
Board of Regents approves tuition raises, welcomes President Wilson

Board of Regents approves tuition raises, welcomes President Wilson

July 28, 2021
The Iowa City City Council is seen at an Iowa City City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. (Nichole Harris/The Daily Iowan

Iowa City City Council votes not to approve Hickory Trail Estates

July 28, 2021
Iowa State Sen. Liz Mathis talks with media during Iowa House Rep. Christina Bohannon’s birthday celebration in Iowa City on Friday, July 2, 2021. (Jerod Ringwald/The Daily Iowan)

Democratic State Senator Liz Mathis running for U.S. Congress

July 27, 2021
Police investigating reported shots fired in Iowa Citys Pedestrian Mall

Police investigating reported shots fired in Iowa City’s Pedestrian Mall

July 25, 2021
South Dakota governor is not immediately working towards putting prayer in schools

South Dakota governor is not immediately working towards putting prayer in schools

July 22, 2021
Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer addresses the audience during Progress Iowa Corn Feed at The Newbo City Market in Cedar Rapids on July 14, 2019. 11 candidates came to speak with supporters and give speeches.

Former U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer announces bid for U.S. Senate

July 22, 2021
Former Vice President Mike Pence addresses the crowd during The Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines on Friday, July 16, 2021.

Former Vice President Pence visits Iowa at Family Leadership Summit, celebrates limiting access to abortion

July 18, 2021
The new University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson addresses reporters in the Levitt Center for University Advancement on April 30, 2021. Wilson becomes the 22nd president for the University of Iowa and was previously the Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Illinois. (Ayrton Breckenridge/The Daily Iowan)

UI President Barbara Wilson begins tenure at university

July 14, 2021
Then-Democratic candidate for State Auditor Rob Sand speaks during the Progress Iowa Corn Feed in Bondurant Iowa on Sept. 16, 2018.

State Supreme Court case regarding P3 is win for accountability in Iowa, Auditor says

July 9, 2021
No, Iowa’s ‘Back the Blue Act’ does not criminalize wearing the image of the U.S. flag on towels or swimsuits

No, Iowa’s ‘Back the Blue Act’ does not criminalize wearing the image of the U.S. flag on towels or swimsuits

July 6, 2021
Spectators watch fireworks from a Hy-Vee parking lot in Coralville on Saturday, July 4, 2020.

After hiatus, Coralville 4th Fest returns with new spark

June 29, 2021
Iowa City Mayor Pro Tem Mazahir Salih speaks during the final session of the “Speak Up, Speak Out” series at Mercer Park on Saturday, June 6, 2020. Mayor Bruce Teague invited community members to voice their thoughts and frustrations.

Mazahir Salih endorses Shawn Harmsen for Iowa City City Council, won’t seek reelection

June 23, 2021
Attendees at a Juneteenth celebration hosted by Iowa Freedom Riders get their food on June 19, 2021.

Iowa Freedom Riders, community celebrate Juneteenth

June 20, 2021
Steve Schornhorst, the construction manager on the Shelter House’s board, helps build some walls for The 501 Project at a volunteer build before the ceremony on Thursday.

Shelter House to provide 36 single adult housing units at The 501 Project

June 17, 2021
The Old Capitol is seen on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

University of Iowa approves seven projects for P3 funding

June 17, 2021
Iowa moms who attended bill signing shared false information related to pandemic, connected to QAnon-affiliated people

Iowa moms who attended bill signing shared false information related to pandemic, connected to QAnon-affiliated people

June 11, 2021
Iowa Board of Regents President Michael Richards sits alongside President Pro Tem Patty Cownie during a meeting at the Iowa State Alumni Center in Ames, Iowa, on Thursday, June 6, 2019. The Regents voted in favor of a four percent tuition increase starting in the fall semester of 2019.

State Board of Regents free speech committee discusses syllabus statements, First Amendment training

June 2, 2021
Sen. Chuck Grassley speaks with reporters outside of Iowa City High School after a Q&A session with students on June 2, 2021.

Senator Chuck Grassley speaks with Iowa City High students

June 2, 2021
School board member Phil Hemingway speaks during Iowa City school board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017.

Republican JoCo supervisor candidate Phil Hemingway holds meet and greet in Iowa City neighborhood.

May 27, 2021
Johnson County Supervisor candidate Jon Green (left) speaks with Senate candidate Dave Muhlbauer (right) on the patio behind Georges Buffet in Iowa City. Photo courtesy of Adam Schantz, Muhlbauers campaign manager.

Dave Muhlbauer stops in Iowa City on the Senate campaign trail

May 26, 2021
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are seen on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

Subject in custody after threatening others with a knife at UIHC emergency room

May 26, 2021
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa., has a conversation at the Iowa State Capitol on Monday, January 13, 2020.

Democrat David Muhlbauer launches Senate campaign

May 24, 2021
The Old Capitol building is seen on March, 6, 2021.

International travel to resume following pre-pandemic guidelines for faculty and staff

May 24, 2021
Iowa Board of Regents President Mike Richards announces Barbara Wilson as the new University of Iowa President at a press conference in the Levitt Center for University Advancement on April 30, 2021. Wilson takes over after the previous University of Iowa President, Bruce Harreld, held office for just over five years.

Board of Regents lifts state of emergency

May 20, 2021
Fourth year student Ethan Fobbe receives the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the Iowa Memorial Union at the University of Iowa on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.

UI announces new mask guidelines, face masks not required if fully vaccinated

May 19, 2021
Sikowis Nobiss speaks at a protest for Palestine on May 15, 2021.

Protesters show solidarity with Palestine on Nakba Day

May 15, 2021
Joceyln Roof poses for a portrait at the Pentacrest on Tuesday, May 5, 2021.

Graduating founder of Hawk the Vote helped evolve civic engagement for the pandemic

May 11, 2021
The Iowa State Capitol building is seen in Des Moines on April 9, 2019.

Education free speech bill passes Iowa Senate unanimously, heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds

May 5, 2021
No, Sen. Joni Ernst did not say liberals wanted to ban lasagna

No, Sen. Joni Ernst did not say liberals wanted to ban lasagna

April 29, 2021
Photo of Micah Broekemeier. Contributed.

UI undergrad running for Johnson County Board of Supervisors as a Republican candidate

April 28, 2021
The Old Capitol Building is seen on Monday, March 1, 2021.

The facts behind funding Iowa’s public universities

April 25, 2021
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, stands on stage at the Second Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. He serves as the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Sen. Chuck Grassley reacts to Chauvin verdict, speaks on Congress’s role in police reform

April 21, 2021
Sen. Chuck Grassley addresses the crowd during a rally for Vice President Mike Pence at the Des Moines International Airport on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020. Vice President Pence discussed several topics including religion, Supreme Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett, and the importance of voting. The election is in five days. (Katie Goodale/The Daily Iowan)

Grassley’s fundraising emails sound the alarm for donations, senator says he is still considering reelection

April 20, 2021
The Capitol building in Des Moines is pictured on April 29, 2018.

Bill to freeze funding for regents universities passed through state House Appropriations Committee

April 12, 2021
The Iowa Republican Party chairman Jeff Kaufmann speaks to the audience during the Iowa GOPs America First Dinner at the Ron Pearson Center in West Des Moines on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. President Donald Trump was the special guest for the event.

Top Republican officials in Iowa condemned Rita Hart’s contest in the U.S. House

March 25, 2021
Democratic candidate Rita Hart speaks during a brunch fundraiser for Sen. Zach Wahls at the Walker Homestead on July 14, 2019.

Lawyer for Rita Hart said he expects lawmakers will follow will of voters

March 23, 2021
The Old Capital in Iowa City is seen during a vigil on Sunday, March 21 to honor the victims of the Atlanta shootings and advocate for Asian American rights and equity.

Hundreds attend AAPI student-hosted vigil honoring Atlanta shooting victims

March 21, 2021
Gov. Kim Reynolds gives the State of the State address in the house chamber of the Iowa State Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021 in Des Moines. Gov. Reynolds highlighted in the address expansion of broadband internet, a push for in-person learning, and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill prohibiting ‘divisive concepts’ in DEI training passes Iowa House along party lines

March 16, 2021
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst R-IA speaks at the republican watch party at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. Republicans from across the state have gathered to watch the results of the 2020 General Election.

Sen. Joni Ernst proposes several bills to increase transparency in government

March 15, 2021
A crowd of protesters followed by a group of supporting vehicles travels west on Burlington Street towards downtown Iowa City during a march to support the Black Lives Matter movement and protest police brutality on Saturday, June 13.

Bill increasing penalties for protesters passes Iowa Senate on party lines

March 10, 2021
Daily Iowan Managing Editor Caleb McCullough poses for a portrait on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at the DI newsroom.

Caleb McCullough selected as The Daily Iowan’s next editor

March 9, 2021
UI sophomore Caitlin Bradley poses for a portrait on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at the Adler Journalism Building.

College students accounted for in latest COVID-19 relief package

March 7, 2021
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) speaks during Supreme Court Justice nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett's Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Justice on Capitol Hill on October 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. With less than a month until the presidential election, President Donald Trump tapped Amy Coney Barrett to be his third Supreme Court nominee in just four years. If confirmed, Barrett would replace the late Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. (Patrick Semansky/Pool/Getty Images/TNS)

COVID-19 relief bill passes Senate without support from Chuck Grassley or Joni Ernst

March 6, 2021
U.S Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, speaks with the Daily Iowan staff after a visit to Mercy Hospital on July 2, 2019.

Sen. Chuck Grassley hopes to amend COVID-19 relief bill to include aid for farmers

March 3, 2021
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa., has a conversation at the Iowa State Capitol on Monday, January 13, 2020.

‘I got up at four o’clock like I do six times a week and jogged two miles:’ Chuck Grassley to announce potential Senate run by this fall

February 24, 2021
A single user bathroom is seen in the Main Library on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. A full list of all single user bathrooms at the University of Iowa can be found online.

Bills that target transgender Iowans pass first legislative hurdles, lawmakers say it’s unlikely to advance

February 23, 2021
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack speaks in favor of Hillary Clinton in Cedar Rapids on, Monday Jan 4, 2016. Tom Vilsack is an Iowa democrat that has served in office since 2009. (Jordan Gale/The Daily Iowan)

Iowa delegation congratulates Tom Vilsack on confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

February 23, 2021
Ashley Hinson’s border wall criticism hits mark but blanket amnesty jab misses

Ashley Hinson’s border wall criticism hits mark but blanket amnesty jab misses

February 17, 2021
STEM teacher Bennett Brown recently resigned from teaching at Iowa City Southeast Junior High School because of state legislation requiring an in-person option learning starting February 15. Brown stands outside of Southeast Junior High School on February 13, 2021.

‘I feel completely disregarded as a pawn in the partisan politics at the Statehouse’: Educators respond to in-person learning requirements

February 14, 2021
Nikole Hannah-Jones speaking with the university lecture committee in a virtual setting on Tuesday, Sept 22, 2020. Nikole spoke on her 1619 project about the continuing history of American slavery.

Proposed Iowa House bill would bar funding from schools teaching the 1619 Project

February 14, 2021
Gov. Kim Reynolds listens during a conference at the GuideLink Center in Iowa City on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021. The new crisis center is a collaborative project between the Johnson County Board of Supervisors and community partners, and focuses on providing mental health and substance use care. It will have a soft opening on Monday.

Gov. Reynolds tours new mental health and crisis center in Iowa City

February 11, 2021
Gov. Kim Reynolds smiles during the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Gov. Kim Reynolds discussed initiatives such as tax cuts, mental health funding, and workforce training.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signs bill requiring option for full in-person learning

January 29, 2021
The Iowa State Capitol building is seen in Des Moines on April 9, 2019.

State Senate District 41 stays red in special election

January 27, 2021
Contributed.

Miller-Meeks tells House to dismiss Hart’s contest of IA-02 election

January 21, 2021
The facts behind Gov. Reynolds’ Condition of the State Address

The facts behind Gov. Reynolds’ Condition of the State Address

January 12, 2021
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks with reporters on a Zoom call Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. She outlined her priorities for the upcoming legislative session, including her intention to shelve the Invest in Iowa Act, her signature legislation proposed in 2020.

Reynolds won’t reintroduce Invest in Iowa Act in upcoming legislative session

January 7, 2021
Iowa City Community School District sign 1725 North Dodge St.. As seen on Thursday, Oct.15, 2020.

Iowa City schools reforming discipline practices

December 6, 2020
Iowa City Community School District sign 1725 North Dodge St. As seen on Thursday, Oct.15, 2020.

Iowa City schools plan to keep virtual option available for students after pandemic ends

December 3, 2020
Contributed.

The numbers behind this year’s closest Congressional race

November 30, 2020
Iowa City Community School District sign. As seen on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.

Iowa City Community School District extends 100 percent online learning period

November 24, 2020
Contributed

University of Iowa professor offers students Thanksgiving meals

November 21, 2020
Photo of Dasia Taylor and friends, wearing her Vibe Tribe custom apparel. Contributed by Caroline Barker.

Iowa City West senior Dasia Taylor launches apparel shop

November 18, 2020
Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during the Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol on Jan. 14.

Gov. Kim Reynolds reiterates need for new mitigations, gives updates on treatment, prisons cases

November 17, 2020
Iowa City Community School District sign 1725 North Dodge St.. As seen on Thursday, Oct.15, 2020.

Iowa City schools look to provide mental health resources while protecting physical health

November 16, 2020
In this diptych, Iowa State Sen. Marinette Miller-Meeks is seen on April 9, 2019 and Democratic candidate Rita Hart are seen Sept. 26, 2020.

Trailing by 47 votes, the Rita Hart campaign requests recount

November 12, 2020
The Tippie College of Business is seen on Monday, January 27th, 2020.

Advisers help first year students adjust to college virtually

November 11, 2020
Contributed.

Miller-Meeks and Hart see-saw lead again in 2nd District race

November 10, 2020
Iowa City Community School District sign. As seen on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020.

Iowa City Schools plan to move 100 percent off-site on for two weeks beginning Monday

November 11, 2020
Iowa City Community School District sign 1725 North Dodge St.. As seen on Thursday,Oct.15,2020.

Iowa City School District petitions state to move classes online for two weeks

November 9, 2020
Secretary of State Paul Pate addresses members of the media at the Kim Reynolds watch party at the Hilton in Des Moines on Tuesday Nov. 6, 2018.

Iowa Secretary of State calls for hand audit of precinct results in too-close-to-call Iowa 2nd District race

November 6, 2020
U.S. Congressional candidate Mariannette Miller-Meeks approaches the stage at the Riverside Casino after winning the election against her opponent, D. Rita Hart, Tuesday night.

Iowa’s 2nd District race is uncalled and separated by less than 300 votes, what happens next?

November 4, 2020
Contributed.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks holds razor-thin lead over Rita Hart in 2nd District

November 4, 2020
Democratic Candidate for Congress Rita Hart talking to the University of Iowa Students students on the Iowa City Ped All on October 31 2020. Iowa City is Hart’s first stop on her ‘Get Out The Vote’ tour and she thanks the volunteers for encouraging people to vote in the upcoming election.

Three days before the election, Rita Hart visits with University of Iowa students in Iowa City

October 31, 2020
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