(Radio Iowa) – A Democrat has won Tuesday’s special election for a seat the Iowa Senate. Unofficial results show West Des Moines City Councilman Renee Hardman won with 73 percent of the vote. She will be the first black woman to serve in the Iowa Senate. The seat had been vacant since State Senator Claire Celsi’s death in October.

Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner notes this is the third special election this year for a state senate seat and Democrats have won all three. She says that shows Iowa voters want change.

Iowa G-O-P chairman Jeff Kaufmann says Tuesday’s election was in a very tough district for Republicans and the party is focused expanding the Republican majorities in the state legislature next year.

There will be 17 Democrats and 33 Republicans serving in the Iowa Senate in January — one vote short of a G-O-P supermajority. It means Republicans will need at least one Democrat to vote to confirm any people Governor Reynolds nominates for state government positions.

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Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart released the following statement regarding tonight’s State Senate District 16 special election results: “Renee Hardman crafted a well-run grassroots campaign focused on affordability, and Democrats across Iowa worked tirelessly to end 2025 with another 40-point victory to prevent a new Republican supermajority. Hardman has been a valued West Des Moines City Councilmember – working to cut taxes and improve public safety. She is ready to step up to take on an even larger role for our state.  Democrats will continue to focus on affordability, common sense, and a new direction for our state. With candidates committed to their communities like Renee, Democrats are offering a new direction for Iowa in 2026!”