In a stunning political upset, Democrat Catelin Drey won a special Senate election in Iowa, flipping a long-held Republican seat and breaking the GOP's supermajority in the state legislature.
Drey's victory is particularly significant as she triumphed in a district that Donald Trump won by 23 points in the last election, showcasing a dramatic shift in voter sentiment.
The election became pivotal following the untimely death of Republican Senator Rocky de Witt, creating an opportunity for Democrats to gain ground.
Drey's win increases the number of Democrats in the Iowa Senate to 17, significantly weakening the Republican majority and raising hopes of further Democratic gains in the upcoming 2026 midterms.
While local Republicans aimed to downplay the impact of Drey's win, attributing it to outside funding and support, national Democratic leaders celebrated this victory as evidence of growing momentum.
This election reflects broader national political dynamics, highlighting the escalating competition between the two parties as they gear up for future elections that could reshape congressional control.