State Sen. Nate Boulton, center, speaks with other Democrats in downtown Des Moines on Oct. 16, 2024, the first day of early voting in Iowa. Former state Rep. John Forbes, left and Democratic congressional candidate Lanon Baccam, right, are also shown. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Iowa Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, conceded his race for reelection Friday after the recount for Iowa Senate District 20 concluded and found Republican Mike Pike maintained his lead.
Boulton served in the Iowa Senate since 2017 and held the position of Iowa Senate Democratic whip in the most recent General Assembly. In his concession statement, he thanked his constituents and family for their support while congratulating Pike on his victory.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent my community, and serve my state, as a member of the Iowa Senate for the past eight years and as the Minority Whip this past session,” Boulton said in a statement. “The election is over and the recount has concluded. By one of the narrowest margins in the state, I will not be returning to the Iowa Senate this January.”
Pike, a plumber who has not previously held political office, did not respond to requests for comment on the race.
The incumbent Democrat lost by 44 votes to his GOP challenger, according to preliminary results leading into the recount. An update on the final vote count has not yet been released.
In addition to Senate District 20, covering eastern parts of Des Moines, Altoona, Pleasant Hill and southwest Ankeny, recounts were called for two other legislative races. Republican Mark Hanson requested a recount in his race to unseat Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-Waukee in Senate District 14, and GOP challenger Nathan Ramker requested a recount in his race against incumbent Rep. Monica Kurth, D-Davenport for House District 98 earlier in the week.
While the recount outcomes from these two races have yet to be announced, GOP trifecta control of the Statehouse has already been confirmed. Republicans won a supermajority in the Iowa House and held onto their existing supermajority in the Iowa Senate in the 2024 general election.
While Boulton’s loss will not have an impact on Democrats’ status as the minority party in the Iowa Senate, he was floated as a potential candidate to replace Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, who did not run for reelection in 2024. Senate Democrats planned to meet Friday evening to discuss their caucus leadership for the 2025 legislative session, Radio Iowa reported.
Boulton said he plans to return to his law practice, where he specializes in labor law, workers compensation and personal injury. He said in his concession statement that he was pleased with the work he was able to accomplish at the the Iowa Legislature.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve been able to do and the things we have accomplished over the past eight years,” Boulton said. “Fighting for Iowa’s workers — leading an all-night floor (debate) to challenge legislation that gutted workplace rights for thousands of union workers who answer the call of public service. Fighting to protect injured workers whose bodies and earnings are damaged as they contribute to Iowa’s economic success. Standing up for kids and introducing and passing through the Senate bipartisan legislation designed to help them get coverage for the medical care they need. … While this term in the Iowa Senate is ending, I remain dedicated to working towards economic and social justice as we pursue a brighter, stronger future for our community, our state, and our nation.”
