Rob Barron

Rob Barron represents Ward I on the Des Moines City Council, becoming the first Latino ever elected to the council in January 2026. A fourth-generation Mexican American whose great-grandparents immigrated to Des Moines 90 years ago, he won with 61% of the vote. He previously served eight years on the Des Moines School Board (2013-2021), becoming the first Latino elected to that position in Polk County, Iowa's largest county. He served as school board chair and vice chair during his tenure. Barron co-founded the Latino Political Network in 2015, which has tripled Latino elected representation in Iowa. He currently serves as Executive Director of Seed Coalition, a network of 45 colleges and universities focused on civic engagement.

Fourth-generation Mexican American. His great-grandparents immigrated to Des Moines approximately 90 years ago. His father, Xavier Barron, was a police officer who ran for City Council on the east side of Des Moines in 1979. His mother was a librarian. Married to Angela Matsuoka, an art educator. They have two children: Javy and Mirabel. The family resides in Des Moines's Beaverdale neighborhood, where they have been homeowners for 15 years.