CNN/Hunter
12/31/25
Democrat Renee Hardman was elected to the Iowa state Senate on Tuesday in a holiday-week special election, denying Republicans’ bid to reclaim two-thirds control of the chamber.
Hardman bested Republican Lucas Loftin by an overwhelming margin to win the seat representing parts of Des Moines’ suburbs. It became vacant after the October 6 death of Democratic state Senator Claire Celsi.
Hardman, CEO of nonprofit Lutheran Services of Iowa and a member of the West Des Moines City Council, becomes the first Black woman elected to the Senate.
State Democratic Party Chairman Rita Hart issued a statement about the election, saying, “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!”