Major Upset in Iowa Senate Special Election; Supermajority Broken

DES MOINES, Iowa - Democrat Catelin Drey captured a special election victory Tuesday, flipping a Northwest Iowa state Senate seat and ending the Republican supermajority in the chamber. Drey defeated Republican Christopher Prosch by approximately 11 points, securing 55% of the vote to Prosch’s 44%.

The contest in Senate District 1 was called after the June passing of longtime GOP Sen. Rocky De Witt. Drey’s win brings Democrats to 17 seats-below the 34 needed for majority but enough to require at least one Democratic vote to override or confirm gubernatorial appointments-while Republicans hold 33 seats.

Governor’s Briefing on Workforce Shortages Governor Kim Reynolds addressed a gathering of fellow governors on Tuesday, highlighting critical teacher and medical professional shortages facing Iowa’s public schools and hospitals. Reynolds warned that unfilled vacancies strain rural districts most severely and urged increased investment in workforce development and training programs.

Polk County Allocates ARPA Funding On the local front, all of Polk County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding has now been committed to projects spanning broadband expansion, public health initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades. County supervisors said these allocations aim to bolster long-term economic recovery and improve access to essential services.

Weather Forecast for August 27, 2025 Des Moines saw sunny skies on Wednesday with a high of 79°F and an overnight low of 57°F. Precipitation chances remained negligible at 1%, and air quality was in the acceptable range for most residents.