Iowa Democrat Catelin Drey Flips Republican-Held State Senate Seat, Breaking GOP Supermajority

Iowa Democrat Catelin Drey emerged victorious in a closely watched state Senate race on Tuesday, defeating Republican Christopher Prosch and flipping a Republican-held seat, breaking the GOP’s supermajority in the upper chamber for the first time in three years.

According to unofficial results from the Woodbury County Auditor’s Office, Drey secured 55% of the vote in the race to replace late Republican state Sen. Rocky De Witt, who passed away in June after battling pancreatic cancer.

This marks the second time this year that Democrats have successfully flipped a Republican-controlled state Senate seat in Iowa. In January, Democrat Mike Zimmer defeated Republican Katie Whittington in a special election.

Democrats Gain Momentum

Drey’s victory in a district that President Donald Trump carried by a significant margin last year, along with Zimmer’s win in a district where Trump also had a strong showing, underscores the momentum that Democrats are building in Iowa.

The Democratic Party has been on a winning streak in special elections this year, as they aim to capitalize on this momentum heading into the upcoming midterm elections. Democrats are hoping to retake control of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate from the GOP next year.

DNC Chair’s Statement

In response to Drey’s win, Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin issued a statement, saying, “Iowans are seeing Republicans for who they are: self-serving liars who will throw their constituents under the bus to rubber stamp Donald Trump’s disastrous agenda — and they’re ready for change.”

Martin continued, “They are putting Republicans on notice and making it crystal clear: any Republican pushing Trump’s unpopular, extreme agenda has no place governing on behalf of Iowa families. That’s why all year long, Iowans have been electing Democrats ready to fight for working Iowans.”

Impact of Drey’s Victory

Drey’s win not only breaks the Republican supermajority in the state Senate but also gives Iowa Democrats more authority to block GOP initiatives. This includes the ability to stop the governor’s nominees, who require two-thirds support for confirmation.

Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.