(Des Moines) A Democratic candidate has successfully won the state Senate seat previously held by Republican Chris Cournoyer, who resigned in December to become lieutenant governor.
The 35th Senate District includes Clinton County and portions of Jackson and Scott Counties. In the 2022 election, Cournoyer had a significant 22-point victory margin in this district, while President Trump secured it with a 21-point margin last November. Unofficial results from yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) special election indicate that Democrat Mike Zimmer received nearly 52 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Katie Whittington from Clinton.
Zimmer, a retired teacher and coach, currently serves as Central DeWitt School Board president. When Zimmer is sworn into office at the statehouse, the state Senate will consist of 16 Democrats and 34 Republicans.
Meanwhile, Republicans in the Iowa Legislature hold super-majorities in both chambers.
