Iowa Women Lead Democrats to Victory at State and Federal Levels

Democratic Leaning Youth Turnout Doubled in Key Precincts.

Just two years ago, pundits were writing the obituary for Democrats in Iowa, but in 2018, Iowa Democrats came roaring back with significant wins at the federal and state level – wins for a new generation of Iowa Democrats led by strong, pragmatic women.

In many ways, this was just the beginning of a long road to restoring people-first leadership in Iowa. Democrats are fired up, organized, and have created a whole new host of opportunities to compete in the future.

POWERFUL WOMEN, POWERFUL MESSAGE

Congresswomen-Elect Abby Finkenauer and Cindy Axne flipped two of the most important Congressional districts in the country. Both women ran on platforms that reflected the heart of Iowa Democratic values. Congresswoman-Elect Abby Finkenauer fought for every working Iowan to have a voice in their government, taking extreme partisanship and special interests out of the equation. Congresswoman-Elect Cindy Axne reinforced Iowa’s commitment to affordable health care and accountable government that works for the people.

With their victories, Iowa is sending not one but two women to the House of Representatives for the first time, and Iowa Democrats have two new incredible leaders who will shape a stronger future for our Party.

Women also led the way in key State Legislative victories. Iowa Democrats flipped at least seven State House seats – Five of which will now be represented by Democratic women. State Senator-Elect Jackie Smith also chalked up a key victory for Democrats in Sioux City.

The bench of Democratic Iowa women has never been stronger.

NEW GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP

The people of Iowa woke up the watchdog and elected a dynamic young leader in State Auditor-Elect Rob Sand. Along with Congresswoman-Elect Abby Finkenauer, our next State Auditor represents a new generation of leadership for the Democratic Party, a generation that acutely understands the challenges facing young people as they chase after their own American Dreams.

These bright new leaders will bring future-facing solutions to the table for every hardworking Iowa family.

And, while he may have come up short, J.D. Scholten pulled off an incredible upset in the Fourth District, running on the values of his community with an intense focus on the issues that matter most to young people looking to get ahead. J.D. made every Iowa Democrat proud by giving Congressman Steve King the fight of his life, and we cannot wait to see what he does next.

Also significant to our victories last night was an incredible surge of young people heading to the polls. Democratic campaigns and youth-focused organizations worked hard to make sure young Iowans made their voices heard and their results were nothing short of astonishing:

  • IA-01: Cedar Falls 403 (Wd. 4, Pct. 3)
    • 2014 turnout: 22.51%
    • 2018 turnout: 51.94%
  • IA-02: Iowa City Precinct 5
    • 2014 turnout: 15.64%
    • 2018 turnout: 32.16%
  • IA-04: Ames Pct. 18 (Wd. 4, Pct. 3)
    • 2014 turnout: 17.93%
    • 2018 turnout: 47.35%

(Source: NextGen America)

“Progress is not always fast or easy, but it is happening. Our mission moving forward is crystal clear, and we now have the tools and means to achieve our goals,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Troy Price.

“Iowa Democrats should be thrilled with the incredible victories we as a community won last night and very proud of every single one of our campaigns this year. The future of our party is bright.”

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