Overview
- Unofficial returns from the Polk County Auditor show Hardman defeating Republican Lucas Loftin by roughly 7,200 to 2,800 votes, a margin near 45 points.
- Her victory restores the chamber to 33 Republicans and 17 Democrats, keeping the GOP from regaining a two-thirds hold in the 50-seat Senate.
- Hardman, a West Des Moines City Council member and nonprofit CEO, becomes the first Black woman elected to the Iowa Senate.
- The suburban District 16 seat opened after Democratic Sen. Claire Celsi died in October, with voters in West Des Moines, Clive and Windsor Heights deciding the replacement.
- Without two-thirds control, Republicans must secure at least one Democratic vote for actions requiring a supermajority, including confirming some gubernatorial nominees.