Democrat Renee Hardman won the Iowa State Senate election on December 30, 2025, defeating Republican Lucas Loftin by a large margin and preventing Republicans from gaining a two-thirds supermajority in the state Senate. Her victory maintains Democratic representation in a district that includes sections of the Des Moines suburbs, and also indicates the continuation of strong Democratic performance in Iowa special elections in 2025.
With nearly all votes counted, Renee Hardman led by approximately 43 percentage points over Lucas Loftin. The seat had become vacant following the death of incumbent Democratic state Sen. Claire Celsi on October 6, 2025.
Renee Hardman‘s Background and Historic Win
Hardman, the CEO of the nonprofit Lutheran Services of Iowa and a member of the West Des Moines City Council, becomes the first Black woman elected to the 50-member Iowa State Senate.
“I want to recognize that while my name was the one on the ballot, this race was never just about me,” Hardman told a room of supporters in West Des Moines after declaring victory.
Impact on Senate Composition
The result follows a series of special election victories for Iowa Democrats in 2025. Earlier wins included Democrat Mike Zimmer winning a seat in January from a district that supported Republican President Donald Trump in 2024, and Democrat Catelin Drey defeating her Republican opponent in August in northwestern Iowa. Prior to Celsi’s death, Democrats controlled 17 seats to Republicans’ 33.
A Republican win would have restored the GOP supermajority, allowing for easier confirmation of Governor Kim Reynolds’ nominations without Democratic backing. Republicans have significant majorities in both chambers, but key approvals now require at least one Democratic vote to pass.
Democratic Reactions
Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, described Hardman’s victory as “a major check on Republican power.”
“With the last special election of the year now decided, one thing is clear: 2025 was the year of Democratic victories and overperformance, and Democrats are on track for big midterm elections,” stated Martin.
The broader context includes Democratic victories in November elections, such as holding governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, retaining a Kentucky state Senate seat, and a narrow Republican victory in a Tennessee U.S. House special election, which has encouraged Democrats for 2026, when they hope to gain three House seats to challenge the majority.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee vowed to safeguard Iowa’s victories and prevent a Republican supermajority return in 2026.
Republican Responses
Loftin, a tree trimmer turned data manager, congratulated Renee Hardman and said he will pray for her success in her new position.
Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann praised Loftin and his supporters for contesting in a difficult district where Democrats exceed Republicans in voter registration by nearly 3,300 (37% to 30%).
“Although we fell short this time, the Republican Party of Iowa remains laser-focused on expanding our majorities in the Iowa Legislature and keeping Iowa ruby-red,” according to Kaufmann.Renee Hardman’s victory in the Iowa State Senate election strengthens Democratic momentum and secures continuous checks on Republican control in 2026.
