Uncalled House race in Iowa draws congressional election observers to recount

Congressional election observers have been deployed to Iowa to monitor the recount in a closely contested House race that remains uncalled. The House Committee on Administration, responsible for overseeing federal elections, made the announcement on X, stating that they are committed to ensuring an accurate count of all legal ballots in the First Congressional District race.

Chairman Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wisc., emphasized the importance of ensuring that every legal ballot is counted accurately. He praised the record number of Congressional Election Observers recruited this Congress, highlighting the robust program in place to guarantee fairness and accuracy in election results. Steil expressed gratitude to the Election Observers and his colleagues for their dedication to strengthening elections.

The recount was requested by Democrat Christina Bohannan’s campaign, who is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa’s 1st District. Initial results show Bohannan trailing Miller-Meeks by fewer than 1,000 votes, less than a percentage point. This race is a closely watched rematch of the 2022 election, where Miller-Meeks secured a victory by a 7-point margin.

Miller-Meeks, confident in her lead, has declared victory despite the recount request. Her campaign accused Bohannan and other Democrats of being “election deniers” and labeled the recount as a delaying tactic to undermine the will of the people. Bohannan’s campaign, on the other hand, expressed trust in the recount process and stated that they will accept the results regardless of the outcome.

The deployment of Congressional Election Observers to Iowa is part of a broader GOP initiative for election security. The House Committee on Administration launched a poll watcher program in September to enhance accountability efforts in close House races. Congressional staffers underwent training to serve as poll watchers in districts where their assistance was requested by congressional candidates in tight races.

In addition to the 1st District race, Republican incumbents successfully defended their seats in Iowa’s other congressional districts. Zach Nunn retained the 3rd District seat, while Ashley Hinson and Randy Feenstra won decisively in the 2nd and 4th Districts, respectively. With Republicans securing enough seats to control the House, the party has completed its sweep into power alongside President-elect Trump.

The House Committee on Administration’s deployment of Congressional Election Observers underscores the commitment to upholding election integrity and ensuring that every vote is accurately counted. As the recount in Iowa’s 1st District unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the outcome of this closely contested race.