Democrats Celebrate Landslide Win in Iowa, Call It a 'Rebuke of Trump'

Democrat Ramirez Wins Iowa Special Election in Landslide

In a decisive special election victory, Democrat Angel Ramirez defeated Republican Bernie Hayes with 79 percent of the vote in Iowa’s 78th State House District, located in Cedar Rapids. The outcome, hailed by Democratic leadership as a "clear rebuke of Trump," fills the vacancy left by Sami Scheetz, who stepped down to join the Linn County Board of Supervisors. The White House / Wikimedia

Special Election Sees Just 17.4% Voter Participation

Despite the overwhelming margin, voter turnout was low—only 3,470 ballots were cast, representing just 17.4 percent of registered voters in the district. That’s a significant drop from the over 11,000 votes cast during the 2024 general election. @KonfrstForHouse / X

Ramirez Vows to Support Working Families and Schools

Ramirez said she was “deeply honored and humbled by the trust you have placed in me,” and celebrated her victory with a message of optimism, adding, “Our campaign has really been about joy, hope and progress.” @Linn_County_Dem / X

District Has Long Favored Democratic Candidates

The district, historically Democratic leaning, gave Vice President Kamala Harris 65.2 percent of its 2024 presidential vote and Joe Biden 67.6 percent in 2020. Scheetz had also won his seat unopposed in 2024 and defeated a Republican challenger with 67.5 percent in 2022. Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

Democrats See Win as Part of Growing Momentum

While the Iowa House remains in Republican control, holding 67 seats to the Democrats’ 33, the Democratic National Committee sees Ramirez’s landslide as part of a broader trend. ajay_suresh / Wikimedia

DNC Chair Calls Victory a ‘Rebuke of Trump’

DNC Chair Ken Martin stated, according to Iowa's News Now: “Congratulations to Rep. elect Ramirez on her sweeping victory in Iowa in what was a clear rebuke of Trump and every Republican who co signs his reckless agenda.” MNEditor21 / Wikimedia

Martin Say Voters Are Rejecting GOP Nationwide

Martin continued, “Democrats are overperforming in red, purple, and blue districts alike. Voters are fed up with Republicans and are ready for leaders who will actually put their families first.” Sora Shimazaki / Pexels

State Party Chair Says Ground Game Made the Difference

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart echoed this sentiment, saying, “The scale of our victory tonight shows that as long as Democrats run candidates who understand and fight for their communities, we can win elections across the state.” Iowa General Assembly / Wikimedia