DES MOINES, Iowa — Democrat Renee Hardman was elected to the Iowa state Senate on Tuesday in a year-end special election, denying Republicans from reclaiming two-thirds control of the chamber.
The seat became vacant after the Oct. 6 death of state Sen. Claire Celsi, a Democrat.
Hardman, the 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 50-member Senate.
This undated photo provided by Hardman for Iowa on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, shows Democrat Renee Hardman, who is facing Republican Lucas Loftin in the special election for the state Senate seat representing parts of Des Moines’ suburbs.
Democrats held onto a Kentucky state Senate seat this month in a special election.
This undated photo provided by Lucas Loftin on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, shows Loftin, a Republican who is facing Democrat Renee Hardman in the special election for the state Senate seat representing a part of Des Moines' suburbs.
“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," Kaufmann said. »