Democrat Catelin Drey Wins Iowa Special Election, Breaks GOP Supermajority
Iowa, August 2025 – In a closely watched political upset, Democrat Catelin Drey has flipped a Republican-held seat in the Iowa state Senate, breaking the GOP’s supermajority, according to projections by CNN.
The special election was held to fill the vacancy left by a Republican lawmaker from the Sioux City area who passed away from cancer in June. Drey defeated her Republican opponent, Christopher Prosch, by a margin of roughly 10 points — a result that has stunned political observers given that Donald Trump carried the district by 11 points in last year’s election.
The victory marks a notable shift in Iowa politics, a state that has leaned Republican for the past decade but was once considered a battleground. Political analysts say Drey’s win signals growing momentum for Democrats in local races.
“This is the fourth special election in a row where Iowans have voted for change,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart in a statement. “Our state is ready for a new direction, and Iowa Democrats will continue to field candidates who fight for stronger representation and better outcomes for working families.”
With this victory, Democrats have not only narrowed Republican control but also energized their base ahead of the 2026 midterms, positioning Iowa once again as a state to watch.
