Democrats Flip Iowa Senate Seat, Break GOP Supermajority

DES MOINES, Aug. 27, 2025 - In a pivotal special election held Tuesday, Democrat Catelin Drey defeated Republican Christopher Prosch to capture Iowa Senate District 1, ending the Republican supermajority in the chamber.

Drey secured 55 percent of the vote to Prosch’s 44 percent, marking a 10-point margin of victory in a district that President Trump carried by 11 points in 2024. Voter turnout was notably low, with fewer than 25 percent of registered voters casting ballots-approximately 7,600 participants compared to nearly 22,000 in the 2024 presidential contest.

With Drey’s win, the makeup of the 50-member Senate shifts to 33 Republicans and 17 Democrats, one seat shy of the two-thirds threshold Republicans held since 2022. This change prevents the GOP from confirming gubernatorial appointees without at least one Democratic vote, complicating Governor Kim Reynolds’ ability to staff state agencies and boards during her final term.

“Our state is ready for a new direction,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart, noting this marks the fourth special election victory for Democrats in Iowa this year. “Iowans have spoken: they want leaders who tackle affordability and deliver better representation.”

Republican leaders downplayed the outcome. “National Democrats were so desperate for a win that they mobilized 30,000 volunteers and flooded the race with money,” commented Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann.

Drey, a first-time candidate and founder of the grassroots group Moms for Iowa, campaigned on affordability issues, pledging to address housing, childcare and healthcare costs. Her triumph adds momentum to Democratic hopes for competitive midterm races in 2026.