A special election to flip an Iowa House seat, which was held in the same district for almost 30 years by Democrats, has taken place. The election race was won by Jon Dunwell, a Republican candidate. This is a sign of rising anti-Democratic voters.
“Republican Jon Dunwell has won a special election for the Iowa House, flipping a Newton-based district that Democrats have held for years,” the Des Moines Register reported. “Dunwell led Democrat Steve Mullan Tuesday night with 60% of the vote, a difference of 930 votes, according to the Jasper County Auditor’s Office. The results are unofficial until they are certified by the Jasper County Board of Supervisors.”
“Dunwell, 55, is a pastor and financial services representative who has lived in Newton with his wife for 10 years,” the report added. “They have two children and two dogs. Previously, he was a pastor in Orlando, Florida, for 21 years.”
The Republican candidate released a statement about his victory.
“Thank you, Jasper County, for putting your faith in me to be your voice in the Iowa Statehouse,” he said. “Throughout this campaign, I have had the honor of hearing from so many of you — those who agreed with me and those who offered opposing viewpoints. I have learned so much and am eager to get to work representing each and every one of you.”
Kim Reynolds, Iowa Governor, called the special election after a Democrat resigned last week to take a job at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Dunwell’s victory in the election means that the GOP will increase its majority at the Iowa House to 60-40.
According to FiveThirtyEight’s aggregate polls, the Republicans are continuing to reduce the Democrats’ overall lead on the ballot. It now stands at less than 3. The midterm elections are already one year away and the Democrats will suffer historic losses in House races across the country, according to almost every indicator.
