Iowa Republicans won control of the Iowa Senate flipping six seats Tuesday night while expanding their majority in the Iowa House by two seats.
Currently Iowa Senate Republicans have built a 29 to 19 majority. There is one independent member in the Iowa Senate – State Senator David Johnson (I-Ocheyedan). There will also be a special election held in December to fill the open seat in Iowa Senate District 45 that was left vacant with State Senator Joe Seng (D-Davenport) passed away.
Six incumbent Senate Democrats lost their seats in this Republican wave. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) was defeated by Republican challenger Dan Dawson 54.1 percent to 45.9 percent in Iowa Senate District 8.
State Senator Brian Schoenjahn (D-Arlington) lost his bid for reelection in Iowa Senate District 32. He was defeated by his Republican challenger, Craig Johnson, 60 percent to 40 percent.
State Senator Steve Sodders (D-State Center) was defeated in Iowa Senate District 36. He was beat by Republican challenger Jeff Elder 52.9 percent to 47.1 percent. State Senator Tom Courtney (D-Burlington) was defeated by Republican challenger Thomas Greene 52.6 percent to 47.4 percent in Iowa Senate District 44. Former State Representative Mark Lofgren (R-Muscatine) defeated State Senator Chris Brase (D-Muscatine) 56.9 percent to 43.1 percent in Iowa House District 46.
Iowa House Republicans will gavel in with a 59 to 41 majority after picking up two Democrat seats without losing any of the seats they were defending.
Iowa House Majority Leader Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) likely had one of the most vulnerable seats in for Republicans in Iowa House District 43. At the time of publication he lead his Democratic opponent, 51.6 percent to 48.4 percent with 539 votes separating the two with 13 out of 14 precincts reporting. It is unlikely the outcome of his election will change.
State Representative Patti Ruff (D-McGregor) lost her bid for reelection in Iowa House District 56. Her Republican challenger, Kristi Hagar, beat Ruff 67 percent to 33 percent.
Republicans picked up an open seat in Iowa House District 57 after State Representative Nancy Dunkel (D-Dyersville) decided not to run for reelection. Republican Shannon Lundgren defeating Democrat Tom Stetcher 52.2 percent to 47.8 percent.