(NIT photo)
DES MOINES – A special election today in Iowa for a state Senate seat could return Republicans to a supermajority in that chamber, and a much easier path to passing legislation without Democrat support – but they must defeat a professional DEI candidate to get there.
Gov. Kim Reynolds just set the special election in Senate District 16 for December 30, 2025. This special election was triggered by the passing of Democrat Senator Claire Celsi back in October. Democrats called her “a passionate advocate for her community and beloved colleague. We do know she would want nothing more than for us to push onward for the causes she championed. That is exactly what we intend to do.”
Democrats desperately need to maintain this seat in the Senate to avoid a 34-16 Republican supermajority, allowing them to pass bills without a single Democrat vote. Republicans already control the Iowa House.
“This isn’t just another race,” Democrats said, leading up to the election. “The Republicans will stop at nothing to regain their supermajority – that includes scheduling the election right in the middle of the holiday season. They are hoping that Iowans will stay home so they can sneak a win just before the end of the year. We cannot let that happen and we will not let that happen.”
Democrats have held this seat for years. To replace Celsi, they are offering up West Des Moines City Council member Renee Hardman (pictured at top, left). Her resume lists “Former Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer & Vice President of Human Resources” among her qualifications, including President/Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Services in Iowa – an outfit Elon Musk claims is rife with fraud (see below).
Republicans are offering Lucas Loftin (pictured at top, right), a computer and software specialist, who appears to be tightly aligned with Governor Kim Reynolds and right-wing views.
Democrats have said they are suspicious of the date of the election chosen by Reynolds, and low turnout could spoil their supposed victory in the strong blue district, located in the Des Moines area.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 30, 2025
1 thought on “Republicans can gain stranglehold in Iowa Senate with election victory over DEI professional”
“if elected, Hardman would make history as the first Black woman to serve in the Iowa Senate. Only two Black men (both Democrats) have ever been elected to the chamber: Thomas Mann, Jr. in the 1980s and Izaah Knox in 2022.
Loftin’s messaging has leaned on the tried-and-true GOP slogan of “faith, family, freedom.” He has described himself as a “faith-driven Christian conservative.”
There are two choices here….someone who admires and follows Kim Reynolds’ plan for Iowa or someone who desires to help all Iowans. Your bs description of Hardman as a DEI professional is misleading and typical of right wing politics.