By Eniola Amadu
Democratic candidate Catelin Drey scored a major upset in Iowa yesterday, defeating far-right Republican Christopher Prosch in a special election for the state senate.
The win flips Iowa’s District 1, previously a Republican stronghold, and marks the second Democratic gain in the chamber this year.
Drey, a 37-year-old marketing executive and founder of Moms for Iowa, secured 55% of the vote to Prosch’s 44%, a swing of more than 20 points from Donald Trump’s performance in the district last year.
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The seat became vacant following the death of Senator Rocky De Witt.
Prosch campaigned on a Trump-aligned “Make America Great Again” platform, promoting conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and climate change while comparing abortion to the Holocaust.
His defeat signals growing backlash against extreme rhetoric, according to Democratic strategists.
“We delivered a message that resonates with voters,” Drey said after her victory.
“People are frustrated with the way things are going. Iowa’s economy ranks last in the country, and we’re last for maternal healthcare providers per capita. Folks are ready for a change.”
Asked if the result was a rebuke of Trump’s Mega Movement, Drey emphasised authenticity: “People want to connect with candidates who will look out for their best interests.”
She added, “Voters are waking up to the fact that Republicans have sold the working class a bill of goods.”
The victory continues a pattern of Democratic overperformance in special elections nationwide.
Earlier this year, Democrats flipped another Iowa state senate seat and claimed a Republican-leaning district in Pennsylvania.
Analysts say these gains could foreshadow trouble for Trump ahead of next year’s congressional midterms.
A recent Economist/YouGov poll found just 40% of Americans approve of Trump’s presidency, with 56% disapproving.
Meanwhile, Republicans have faced contentious town halls across the country as economic and governance concerns mount.
However, Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, said the Iowa result “sends a flashing warning to the GOP: voters are rejecting the failing Maga agenda.”
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Campaign finance records show Drey raised $165,385 and spent $75,066 by August 21, compared to Prosch’s $20,020 raised and $18,425 spent.
Both campaigns benefited from state party support, while the Democratic National Committee deployed 30,000 volunteers for phone banking and voter outreach in the race.
