Wed Dec 31 16:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text:

Iowa Democrats Prevent Republican Supermajority in State Senate with Special Election Win

Des Moines, IA – In a closely watched special election, Democrat Renee Hardman secured victory in Iowa’s State Senate District, preventing Republicans from regaining a crucial supermajority in the chamber. Hardman, a West Des Moines City Council member, defeated Republican nominee Lucas Loftin, holding onto a left-leaning suburban seat and maintaining a check on the Republican-controlled state government.

This victory marks a continued trend of encouraging off-year election results for Iowa Democrats. The seat became vacant in October following the death of Democratic Senator Claire Celsi.

The result is significant as it ensures Republicans cannot override the governor’s appointments without Democratic support. Earlier this year, Democrats flipped two Republican-held Senate seats, temporarily breaking a Republican supermajority.

“Democrats have been on fire in state legislative special elections throughout 2025, and Iowa is our latest proof point,” said Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. The party hopes to capitalize on this momentum going into the 2026 midterm elections, where they aim to regain ground after recent electoral losses.

Republicans still hold a strong grip on Iowa’s state government, controlling both legislative chambers and the governor’s office. Governor Kim Reynolds has recently signed controversial legislation into law, including measures restricting abortion access, banning certain books in school libraries, and eliminating civil rights protections for transgender individuals. With Auditor Rob Sand, the only elected Democrat in statewide office, running for governor, and multiple competitive U.S. House races on the horizon, Democrats see this special election win as a potential turning point.

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