U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) recently announced the promotion of Nic Pottebaum to Legislative Director, who assumed the role on Jan. 1, 2026. Grassley’s outgoing Legislative Director, James Rice, will depart at the end of the month after 25 years in Grassley’s office.

“Since James joined my office in 2000, he’s been a tireless advocate for the people of Iowa and a great benefit to my staff. His deep knowledge of public policy that impacts Iowans and world affairs is unmatched, and I’m very thankful for his years of service, hard work and loyalty. His institutional knowledge and passion for his work will be missed,” Grassley said.

“Nic is a battle-tested policy expert who’s well-suited to lead my legislative team. In addition to serving five years in my office, Nic has built a reputation of excellence during his time working for former Governor Branstad, Governor Reynolds and President Trump. In Washington, I’m blessed with a talented team of public servants who help me represent Iowans, and I thank Nic for his willingness to take on this leadership role,” Grassley continued.

A Marion native, Pottebaum joined Grassley’s Senate Finance Committee staff as a Health Policy advisor in December 2020. Through various roles on Grassley’s personal and committee staff, Pottebaum has led the senator’s efforts to help lower prescription drug prices and bring down health care costs for families. Previously, he worked as a Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs during President Trump’s first term. He also served as a policy advisor for Iowa Governors Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds. Pottebaum earned bachelor’s degrees in both economics and political science from the University of Iowa.

Born and raised in Davenport, Rice served in Grassley’s Washington, D.C., office since 2000, becoming a Legislative Assistant in 2001. In 2018, Rice was promoted to Legislative Director, overseeing Grassley’s policy staff dedicated to enacting meaningful legislation. Rice holds a Bachelor of Arts from Drake University in Political Science and History, as well as a master’s degree in Statecraft and International Affairs from the Institute of World Politics.

Background

All other members of Grassley’s senior leadership team remain the same. It includes Jennifer Davis, Chief of Staff; Penne Barton, Deputy Chief of Staff; Clare Slattery, Communications Director; Matt Rector, State Director; and Penny Vacek, Deputy State Director. Kolan Davis is Staff Director for the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Grassley is chairman, and Rita Lari is Deputy Staff Director.