Democrat Catelin Drey has won the special election for Iowa Senate District 1, ending the Republican supermajority in the state Senate. Drey’s victory is a major moment in Iowa politics, particularly in a district that has long been a Republican stronghold.
The special election was held on August 26, 2025, to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of Republican Senator Rocky De Witt in June. Catelin Drey, a 37-year-old marketing executive and founder of the advocacy group Moms for Iowa, faced Republican candidate Christopher Prosch. Despite the district’s conservative history, Drey secured 55% of the vote, defeating Prosch, who received 44%.
This victory is especially significant given that the district had supported former President Donald Trump by more than 11 points in the 2024 presidential election. Drey’s win in such a traditionally Republican area indicates a shift in voter sentiment and reflects a growing desire for change among Iowa’s electorate.
Before this election, Republicans held a supermajority in the Iowa Senate, controlling 34 of the 50 seats. With Drey’s win, their majority is reduced to 33 seats, effectively ending their two-thirds supermajority. This change means Republicans can no longer approve gubernatorial appointments or override vetoes without support from Democrats.
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner called the result a “win for all Iowans.” She noted that Drey’s focus on fully funding public schools, affordable childcare, housing, and support for working families resonated with voters.
Drey’s campaign was notable for its grassroots approach. Volunteers from across Iowa and beyond participated in canvassing and voter outreach. The Democratic Party also supported the effort, helping organize and mobilize volunteers to ensure strong community engagement.
Drey herself credited her team and the community for her victory. She stated that connecting with voters directly and understanding their concerns were key factors in her success. The win is seen as a demonstration of the impact of persistent and organized grassroots campaigning.
Drey’s win carries implications beyond Iowa. It signals a potential shift in rural areas that traditionally vote Republican. Democratic leaders view this as a sign of voter dissatisfaction with certain GOP policies and a reflection of the electorate’s interest in new perspectives and solutions.
The outcome also strengthens the position of Democrats in Iowa as they prepare for future elections. With the state Senate now more balanced, Democrats have increased influence over legislative priorities, offering opportunities for collaboration on policies that affect a wider range of Iowans.
Although Republicans still maintain a majority in the Iowa Senate, losing their supermajority changes the dynamics of governance. Legislation now requires more bipartisan support, which could encourage more cooperation and moderation in policymaking.
The result may also inspire more Democratic candidates to run in districts that were previously considered safe for Republicans. This could lead to further changes in the political landscape of Iowa, affecting not just state politics but potentially influencing national trends as well.
Catelin Drey’s victory in the Iowa Senate special election illustrates the importance of grassroots efforts and the power of community engagement in shaping political outcomes. By ending the Republican supermajority, Drey has not only gained a seat for her party but also opened the door for a more balanced legislative process in Iowa.
Her win demonstrates that voter engagement and persistence can lead to significant political change. It is a clear reminder that every vote counts and that shifts in public sentiment can redefine political dynamics, even in traditionally partisan districts.
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