Democrat Renee Hardman Wins Iowa Senate Special Election
In a year-end special election, Democrat Renee Hardman won the Iowa state Senate seat representing parts of the Des Moines suburbs, defeating Republican Lucas Loftin by a wide margin. Hardman’s victory prevents Republicans from regaining a two-thirds control of the chamber, a seat that became vacant after the death of Democrat Claire Celsi. This win marks the latest in a string of special election victories for Iowa Democrats, giving them 17 seats to Republicans’ 33. This win is a major check on Republican power, as they need to get support from at least one Democrat to approve Reynolds’ nominees.