A special election was held in the U.S. state of Iowa on January 28, 2025 to elect a new member for District 35 in the Iowa Senate, representing the counties of Clinton, Jackson, and Scott. The election filled a vacancy caused by the appointment of Republican member Chris Cournoyer to the office of lieutenant governor in December 2024. Democrat Mike Zimmer achieved an upset victory, flipping a district won by Republican nominee Donald Trump by 21 points in the 2024 presidential election.
Background.
Incumbent Republican senator Chris Cournoyer was re-elected state senator in 2022 with 60.0 percent of the vote. She vacated the seat being appointed lieutenant governor in December 2024.
Candidates.
The following candidates were certified for the ballot:
Voters also had the option to write in candidates.