Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley sparked significant controversy this week with remarks she made about Iowa’s demographics. She argued that the state’s population does not reflect the broader U.S. population. During a discussion on the early stages of the presidential primary process, Pressley pointed out that Iowa is 90 percent white, with only 4.5 percent of its population being black. She claimed that Republicans advocating for Iowa to serve as a model for the rest of the country are being racist, as it does not accurately represent the racial diversity of the nation.
Her comments have sparked debate over whether Iowa, traditionally the first state to hold its primary in the process of selecting party nominees, should maintain that status. Many critics argue that Iowa’s demographic makeup, which does not reflect the racial diversity of the country as a whole, could skew the electoral process and limit minority representation in the primary process.
? CONGRESSWOMAN AYANNA PRESSLEY: “Iowa is 90% white and only 4.5% black. So, that is drastically different than the national population. ”
She later said that it “doesn’t reflect our country.” pic.twitter.com/0dvN7xXiil
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 6, 2025
A user on social media platform X said, “Ayanna Pressley’s obsession with racial quotas is both ridiculous and revealing. Iowa, like every state, is part of America—whether she likes it or not. The idea that a state isn’t “representative” enough to matter is pure elitist nonsense. What she really means is that she doesn’t like the political leanings of the people who live there. Diversity of thought matters too, Congresswoman.”
Another user said, “Mississippi – Approximately 37.8% of the population is Black. Louisiana – About 32.6% of the population is Black. Georgia – Around 33.2% of the population is Black. Maryland – Approximately 31.6% of the population is Black. South Carolina – About 26.0% of the population is Black. These states are not representative of the country…..what is her point?”
A third pointed out, “Are they all AMERICANS? That is what we are. Not white, black, Hispanic, or any other color or nationality. We are Americans. Period. As soon as this is recognized, the better our country will be.”