DLCC Spotlight candidate Mike Zimmer overperformed and flipped a ruby red district, continuing Democrats’ run of success in the states in 2025
WASHINGTON– In Iowa, DLCC Spotlight candidate Mike Zimmer secured the first state legislative flip of the cycle in the SD-35 special election, winning a district that Donald Trump carried by 21 points last November. Republicans have been put on notice in 2025 with Democratic wins defending razor-slim majorities in Minnesota on Tuesday and in Virginia earlier this month. While Republicans take over Washington, state Democrats continue to shore up the power needed to block extremism and advance progressive values.
Check out coverage of the earthquake win in Iowa below:
The New York Times: Democrat Appears to Flip Iowa State Senate Seat in a Boost for the Party
The Washington Post: Dems flip state Senate seat in deep-red Iowa district
The Hill: Democrats flip Iowa state Senate seat
Newsweek: Republicans Lose Iowa Election in District Trump Won by 21 Points
Des Moines Register: Iowa Democrats flip Senate seat in special election to cut into Republican majority
The Latin Times: Democrats Shock Republicans, Flip Deep Red Iowa Senate Seat in Pro-Trump District
Iowa Capital Dispatch: Democrat Mike Zimmer wins Iowa Senate special election
Daily Kos: Democrats flip Iowa state Senate seat in deep red Trump country
National Journal: “Democrats flipped a state Senate seat…”
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the official Democratic Party committee dedicated to winning America’s state legislatures and building state infrastructure. Over the last decade, we have fought cycle-over-cycle to gain a dozen new legislative chamber majorities and we are leading the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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