Liz from Iowa is a liberal lightning rod with millions of views on TikTok. Who is she?
Liz from Iowa did not plan for this.
The Dubuque native, who was then known as Elizabeth Fleming, became a TikTok star in the state following the COVID-19 pandemic. Her page was born out of a personal frustration about the state's right-leaning slant.
Now, she has amassed more 61,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 4 million likes on the platform.
In recent years, Iowa has been dominated first by Gov. Kim Reynolds' rise to the state's top job, large Republican majorities in the Statehouse and an all-GOP congressional delegation elected in 2022.
'I have a sense of humor, but I also care deeply': Liz from Iowa's ascent
A year earlier, Fleming began using TikTok to share her values with like-minded people. She quickly found an audience among left-leaning Iowans, who were seeking community after a string of liberal electoral losses.
Her videos range from serious topics such as conservative policy changes to lighter subjects like Taylor Swift's ticket sales.
"I have a sense of humor, but I also care deeply about the political happenings in Iowa," Fleming, 29, said about her range of videos.
A TikTok video from Fleming about Des Moines teenager Pieper Lewis, who made national headlines for killing the man she says raped her, and the case's aftermath, received 200,000 likes as she brought attention to it on the platform.
"Sashay away," she said recently in response to former New York Rep. George Santos, the Republican who was expelled from Congress Friday following a series of ethics concerns. And Fleming offers her followers love advice, too.
"A good rule of thumb is to never stress about a man that you'd be embarrassed to tell Megan Thee Stallion about," she said in her most famous video about the Houston rapper. That received 5 million views and around 925,000 likes so far.
Liz from Iowa interviews President Joe Biden, becomes Iowa Starting Line correspondent
She has specialized in hyperlocal issues such as the Planned Parenthood North Central States' cancellation of its biannual book sale.
She criticized Reynolds' annual fundraiser special guest Riley Gaines, the former NCAA swimmer who is an open critic of transgender athletes' participation in collegiate athletics. She commented openly about the repeal of Roe v. Wade's impact on Iowa. First, online, and then, in person at an Iowa State Capitol rally in July.
The virality of her TikTok created bigger opportunities with larger audiences, including a paid partnership with Iowa Starting Line. The liberal online news site hired Fleming as a commentator to contribute on its social media pages.
"I want it to be clear that everyone belongs in Iowa, and everyone should have the tools to have a happy life in Iowa," Fleming said.
In November, she joined Iowa Starting Line's parent organization, Courier Newsroom, as a national correspondent. And she spent her first day interviewing the leader of the free world. Fleming joined President Joe Biden during the re-opening of the Stellantis auto plant in Belvidere, Illinois, about two hours northeast of Davenport on Nov. 10.
"It's been really cool this year to be able to express what I care about and to be who I am on a platform," Fleming said.
What's next for liberal TikTok star Liz from Iowa? A run for office?
Fleming was active in Iowa's municipal and school board elections this fall. Fleming has also appeared at candidate fundraisers and events, from emceeing The Dubuque County Dems Hall of Fame 2023 to endorsing eventual runner-up Josh Mandelbaum in the recent election for mayor of Des Moines.
In a recent interview, she addressed questions about a future run for public office.
"I would totally make a run for public office. It's all about timing!" Fleming said.
For now, Fleming will enter the new year in 2024 as a contestant on the first season of a new Fox game show, "The Floor" hosted by Rob Lowe. The program premieres Jan. 2.
Starring in reality shows and seeking public office was never a part of her plan.
"There's been so many changes in my life this year," Fleming said.
And plans change.
Where to find and follow Liz from Iowa
Known for: Left-leaning, light commentary on TikTok
Day job: Owner of Pepper Lane Creative, a social media marketing and branding agency and national correspondent for Courier Newsroom
TikTok: @lizfromiowa; more than 61,000 followers
Instagram: Liz from Iowa; 4,500 followers
Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How TikTok star Liz from Iowa became a liberal icon in a red state
