Republicans Hold Most Iowa Legislative Seats
Incumbent Republicans kept most Delaware County and state legislative seats in the 2026 general election, while Public Measure A for Lake Delhi was defeated.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Should Delaware County borrow up to $9.2 million for Lake Delhi improvements?
Republican incumbents retained most Delaware County and Iowa state legislative seats in Tuesday's 2026 mid-term general election. Voters also rejected Public Measure A, which would have authorized up to $9.2 million in general obligation bonds for Lake Delhi improvements.
Why it matters
The results determine which party controls key state Senate and House seats in Iowa and set local priorities for Lake Delhi's recreation and water quality projects. Voters across the state also elected Rob Sand as governor and Josh Turek to the open U.S. Senate seat.
Carrie Koelker won State Senate District 33 with 59 percent of the vote, and Public Measure A failed 274 no to 144 yes. The race in State Representative District 83 between Cindy Golding and Mike Bergman remained too close to call with all votes in.
The players
Rob Sand
Rob Sand is a Democratic politician from Iowa who was elected as the state's next governor.
Josh Turek
Josh Turek is a Democratic politician who won the open U.S. Senate seat in Iowa.
Daneen Schindler
Daneen Schindler is the Delaware County Recorder who is retiring at the end of 2026.
The details
In Delaware County, Republican incumbents Shannon Lundgren, Steven Bradley and Craig Johnson defeated their Democratic challengers in State Representative Districts 65, 66 and 67, while Jason Gearhart, a Republican, won District 64. Lindsay James was projected the winner of U.S. House District 2.
Timeline
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Mid-term general election voting held in Delaware County and across Iowa.
- End of 2026: County Recorder Daneen Schindler retires, leaving her seat vacant.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 results extend Iowa's recent pattern of Republican control in the state legislature, with incumbents holding most contested seats in Delaware County. Democratic gains in statewide races such as governor and U.S. Senate contrast with the local legislative outcomes.
Voters who live in these legislative districts now have representatives returning for another term. Lake Delhi's recreation and water quality plans will not receive the $9.2 million bond funding that Public Measure A would have authorized.
The takeaway
Election results at the county and district level often shape local services as much as statewide outcomes do, so checking your own district's returns can clarify how decisions affecting your community will be made.
Further reading
For more on how these races shaped the state, see Elections coverage across Iowa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mix 94.7 KMCH.
Live Poll
Should Delaware County borrow up to $9.2 million for Lake Delhi improvements?
