Overview
- Hardman, a West Des Moines city council member and nonprofit CEO, defeated Republican Lucas Loftin by nearly 45 points, according to election results.
- Her win sets the Iowa Senate at 33 Republicans to 17 Democrats in the 50-seat chamber.
- The District 16 seat, covering parts of the Des Moines suburbs, was vacant after Democratic Sen. Claire Celsi died on Oct. 6.
- Hardman becomes the first Black woman elected to the Iowa Senate.
- Without a two-thirds majority, Republicans must secure at least one Democratic vote to confirm Gov. Kim Reynolds’ appointees.