Native American Leader from the Winnebago Tribe Announces Sioux City Council Campaign
Jessica Lopez-Walker, a proud member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska with more than two decades as a Sioux City resident, has launched her campaign for Sioux City Council. Drawing on her lived experiences as a mother, foster parent, small-business owner, and community advocate, Jessica will bring fresh ideas and inclusive leadership to City Hall.
A Vision Rooted in Community
“I’ve built my life around service—helping families, supporting children, and lifting up neighbors,” said Jessica. “Sioux City thrives when every voice is heard. I’m running to ensure our city’s policies reflect the needs of all residents.”
Background and Community Leadership
Jessica and her husband have been foster parents for ten years, specializing in infants affected by drug and alcohol exposure. Partnering with Lutheran Services in Iowa, they recruit and support foster families, securing vital medical, developmental, and therapeutic services for newborns.
Professionally, Jessica has served on the front lines at FedEx for six years and owns a small business crafting Native American regalia, ceremonial and contemporary clothing, and handcrafted gifts.
Her community roles include:
- Serving as President for NOW (National Organization for Women) Siouxland area
- Serving on the Siouxland Human Investment Partnership (SHIP) board
- Serving on the Women Aware board
- Serving on the Sioux City Human Rights Commission
- Co-chairing the Native Political Action Committee for Sioux City Schools
- Facilitating the annual Memorial March
- Volunteering at the community garden near War Eagle School to promote sustainable food sources
- Organizer of United We Stand monthly rally marches in Siouxland through Sweetgrass Uprising
Key Accomplishments
- Secured statewide approval of baby boards for Native American foster homes, providing culturally appropriate care for Native infants across Iowa
- Located and reunited her family by finding an aunt missing for 35 years, a case among many Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) tragedies; she is working to bring her aunt home for burial.
Past Endorsements
Jessica’s campaign has earned support from:
- Advanced Native Political Leadership
- Iowa Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO)
- ISEA PAC
- Sierra Club
- AFSCME Council 61
Campaign Priorities
Jessica will focus on:
- Advocating for marginalized and underrepresented residents
- Promoting inclusive policies and community engagement
- Stimulating economic growth by supporting small businesses and workforce development
- Expanding sustainable initiatives, including local food systems and green infrastructure
- Ensuring fairness and equity in all city decisions
Join the Campaign
Residents are invited to meet Jessica at upcoming neighborhood meet-and-greets. To volunteer, donate, or learn more, please reach out by email or calling (712)204-7765.Donate to Jessica’s campaign here.
Sioux City voters will have two opportunities to choose their next council members:
- A primary election will be held on Oct. 7, 2025. The top six (out of a total of nine) vote-getters will advance to the general election.
- The general election will be held on Nov. 4, 2025. The top three vote-getters in this contest will be elected to the open City Council seats.