IA GOP expands majority at the statehouse, trifecta continues for 7th year in a row
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa republicans secure another trifecta, winning even more seats than they previously had in the Iowa house and senate. 2023 will mark the seventh year in a row the GOP will have total control.
Unofficial results have them gaining four seats in the Iowa house which expand the republicans majority, something they've held onto since 2011.
On election night Speaker of the House, Pat Grassley says,"before tonight it was 97 of 99 counties that we represented all or parts of. After tonight that number is 99 of 99 counties."
While disappointed with election results overall, house democrats say they're thrilled to pick up two seats in Ankeny and 15 new members.
Rep. Jennifer Konfrst says, "that it's exciting. There is new energy. There is new enthusiasm and there are new ideas coming in. This was a good night even though across the state it wasn't as great as we thought. It still feels like we have a lot of potential and a lot of promise.
Over in the Iowa senate, democrats did have a big win, with Senator Sarah Trone Garriott defeating the Senate President Jake Chapman. Because of redistricting, both incumbents were placed against each other, making for a very competitive race.
Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott says, "it was kinda bi-partisan support that this is a good thing, is a good change I'm really making sure that folks have those basic needs met, good fair housing, safe housing and healthcare.
Sen. Amy Sinclair, who’s from Allerton, will take over as senate president and Sen. Jack Whitver will remain Senate Majority Leader.
The GOP gained two seats in the Iowa senate, leaving them with a possible super majority.
Whitver says, "this is the first time in over 50 years that either party has had a super majority in the Iowa senate so we are very pleased with the results."
This means senate republicans can confirm any appointees that the governor makes, which needs a 2/3 vote. Whitver says it's very important but democrats don't necessarily agree.
Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott says, "honestly I don't think it really made much of a difference. Before, yes we could oppose those appointments but the governor would just turn around [and] re-appoint them a few months later."
GOP victories across the statehouse means republicans will again be in control come January 9th, when lawmakers go back to work. Sen. Whitver says Iowans can expect to see a lot of the same things they've been working on in the past, including issues such as tax reform, public safety and education policies.
