Dems Win Congress and Major Iowa Midterm Elections

National Results

Democrats won control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections, gaining at least seven Senate seats and more than two dozen House seats previously held by Republicans. Democratic candidates also won several governorships, including in states previously led by Republicans.

The results give Democrats control of Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. The party will control congressional committees, legislative agendas, and Senate confirmation proceedings when the new Congress convenes in January. Vote counting continued Wednesday in several races.

Iowa Election Results

Iowa Democrats won the races for governor, U.S. Senate, and attorney general, along with three of the state’s four U.S. House seats.

Governor: Democrat Rob Sand defeated Republican Zach Lahn, becoming Iowa’s first Democratic governor in 20 years. Sand, currently the state auditor, will succeed retiring Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.

U.S. Senate: Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst. Turek becomes the first Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Iowa since 2008.

U.S. House: Democrats won three of Iowa’s four congressional districts. Christina Bohannan defeated Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the 1st District. Lindsay James defeated Republican Joe Mitchell in the open 2nd District. Sarah Trone Garriott defeated Republican incumbent Zach Nunn in the 3rd District. Republican Chris McGowan defeated Democrat Dave Dawson in the 4th District.

Attorney General: Democrat Nate Willems defeated Republican incumbent Brenna Bird, who conceded Wednesday morning. Willems, a former state representative and attorney, will succeed Bird after her single term in office.

Other statewide offices: As of Wednesday morning, Republican incumbents Paul Pate and Mike Naig led their races for secretary of state and agriculture secretary, respectively. Republican Treasurer Roby Smith held a narrow lead over Democrat John Norwood, while Democrat Tyler Wettach led Republican Chris Cournoyer in the open state auditor race. Those contests had not all been called.

Iowa Legislative Elections

Republicans retained control of both chambers of the Iowa Legislature, which will convene in January with a Democratic governor.

All 100 Iowa House seats were on the ballot Tuesday. Before the election, Republicans held 66 seats and Democrats held 33, with one vacancy. In the Iowa Senate, 25 of the chamber’s 50 seats were up for election. Republicans entered the election holding 32 seats, compared with 17 Democrats and one vacancy.

Final legislative seat totals and individual district results were still being compiled Wednesday. The election results will determine the size of the Republican majorities and the balance of power between the Legislature and incoming Gov. Rob Sand.

Election results remain unofficial until the completion of canvassing and certification.

Sources

Associated Press, Iowa Public Radio, and Radio Iowa.