Democrat Nate Willems defeated Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird, who was seeking a second term, Radio Iowa reported Wednesday. Separately, KCRG reported Republican incumbents Paul Pate and Mike Naig won reelection as secretary of state and secretary of agriculture.
A change at the attorney general’s office
Willems campaigned on combating wage theft and told Radio Iowa he wants the office focused on helping workers, consumers and seniors, along with people concerned about air and water quality. Those are stated priorities, not policies enacted by the election result. Source: Radio Iowa’s interview with Willems.
Republicans retain two other offices
Pate defeated Democrat Ryan Peterman in the secretary of state contest. Naig defeated Democrat Chris Jones in the agriculture race. Pate result: KCRG. Naig result: KCRG. The outcomes show why statewide offices should be considered individually rather than inferred from the governor’s race.
Reported outcomes, not certification
These are news organizations’ reported outcomes. The three contests do not establish the outcome of the separate auditor and treasurer races.
The official canvass remains separate from news reporting. Readers can follow the source and update time for each contest on the Iowa Decides results page.