Cindy Axne facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cindy Axne
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa's 3rd district
In office January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2023
Preceded by	David Young
Succeeded by	Zach Nunn
Personal details
Born	Cynthia Lynne Wadle (1965-04-20) April 20, 1965 (age 60) Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	John Axne
Children	2
Education	University of Iowa (BA) Northwestern University (MBA)

Cynthia Lynne Axne, born on April 20, 1965, is an American politician. She represented Iowa's 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023.

She is a member of the Democratic Party. Axne won her first election in 2018. She defeated the Republican, David Young. Her district included Des Moines and Council Bluffs. She ran for re-election in 2022 but lost to Republican Zach Nunn.

Early Life and Education

Cindy Axne was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1965. Her parents are Terry and Joanne Wadle. She grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa. She went to Valley High School there.

Axne studied journalism at the University of Iowa. She earned a bachelor's degree. Later, she received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northwestern University.

After college, Axne worked for the Tribune Company in Chicago. She focused on leadership and planning. From 2005 to 2014, she worked for the Iowa state government. She helped improve services across many state agencies.

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives

Cindy Axne served in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is part of the U.S. Congress. She represented the people of Iowa's 3rd district.

Elections to Congress

2018 Election

In 2018, Axne ran for Congress. She won the Democratic primary election. Then, she faced the current Republican Representative, David Young. Axne won the general election. She and Abby Finkenauer became the first two women from Iowa elected to the U.S. House.

Axne won by getting many votes in Polk County. This is the most populated county in her district. It includes Des Moines.

2020 Election

In 2020, Axne ran for re-election. She won the Democratic primary easily. She then had a rematch against David Young. Axne won again, serving a second term.

2022 Election

Axne ran for a third term in 2022. She lost this election to the Republican candidate, Zach Nunn.

Time in Office

Axne started her term during a government shutdown. She asked that her pay be stopped until the shutdown ended. In January 2019, she helped create a bill. It was called the Shutdown to End All Shutdowns (SEAS) Act. This bill aimed to stop future government shutdowns.

In 2021, there were reports about her stock trades. Some people said she did not share all her stock dealings. She was also accused of trading stocks in companies she was supposed to oversee. This was because she was on the House Financial Services Committee. However, in July 2022, the Committee on Ethics looked into it. They found no wrongdoing and cleared her.

In September 2022, Axne voted for the Inflation Reduction Act. She voted by proxy while on vacation. This means someone else voted for her. She also voted for the H.R. 1808: Assault Weapons Ban of 2022.

Axne often voted in line with President Joe Biden's ideas. She once called him "the most impactful president we've seen in this country's history."

Working on Committees

While in Congress, Axne was part of important groups called committees. These committees study different topics and create laws.

• United States House Committee on Agriculture
  • Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit
  • Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry
• United States House Committee on Financial Services
  • Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance
  • Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship and Capital Markets

She was also a member of the New Democrat Coalition. This is a group of moderate Democrats in Congress.

After Congress

On June 7, 2023, Axne was given a new role. She became a Senior Advisor for Rural Engagement, Delivery and Prosperity. This job is with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is part of the Biden Administration.

Personal Life

Cindy Axne is married to John Axne. They have two sons. They own a company that designs digital things. The family lives in Washington, D.C. They are members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines.

Images for kids

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  Cindy Axne speaking at the 2019 Women's March in Des Moines.