UPDATE: In a significant victory for Democrats, Renee Hardman has won the special election for the Iowa state Senate, effectively blocking Republicans from reclaiming a supermajority in the chamber. The election took place on October 10, 2023, and Hardman triumphed over Republican Lucas Loftin by an astounding 43 percentage points, securing her position as a vital player in Iowa politics.
This election is critical, as it prevents the GOP from obtaining two-thirds control of the Legislature, which would have allowed them to easily confirm appointments made by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds. With her victory, Hardman makes history as the first Black woman elected to Iowa’s 50-member Senate.
The seat became vacant following the October 6 death of Democratic Sen. Claire Celsi. Hardman, who has served as the CEO of nonprofit Lutheran Services of Iowa and is currently a member of the West Des Moines City Council, emphasized the importance of community in her victory speech: “While my name was the one on the ballot, this race was never just about me,” she stated to a cheering crowd in West Des Moines.
As election results continue to pour in, Hardman’s win adds to the momentum for Iowa Democrats, who have recently flipped two Senate seats this year. Earlier in 2023, Democrat Mike Zimmer won a district that heavily favored Trump in the last election, signaling a shift in voter sentiment. In August, Democrat Catelin Drey also scored a victory in northwestern Iowa, a traditional Republican stronghold.
Without a supermajority, Republicans will now require bipartisan support for Reynolds’ nominees, shifting the dynamics in the Iowa Legislature. While the GOP maintains significant majorities, including a supermajority in the Iowa House, the recent Democratic wins signal a potential shift in political power.
Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, hailed Hardman’s victory as “a major check on Republican power,” asserting that 2025 will be remembered as a year of Democratic resurgence. “With the last special election of the year now decided, one thing is clear: Democrats are on track for big midterm elections,” he added.
Despite Loftin’s defeat, he graciously congratulated Hardman, expressing his hopes for her success in the Senate. Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann acknowledged the challenges faced in a district where Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 3,300 voters. “Although we fell short this time, the Republican Party of Iowa remains laser-focused on expanding our majorities,” Kaufmann stated.
Looking ahead, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has pledged to defend these recent gains in Iowa, aiming to prevent the resurgence of a GOP supermajority in the upcoming elections. As political tensions rise and the 2024 election approaches, all eyes will be on Iowa, a state that could play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape.
This latest development is not just a victory for Hardman, but a significant moment for Iowa Democrats and a potential harbinger for the future political climate in the state. Share this urgent news now!
