LEE COUNTY, Iowa — Republican Blaine Watkins won the special election Tuesday for Iowa House District 100, keeping the seat in GOP control after the death of Rep. Martin Graber in January.
Watkins’ victory maintains the Republican Party’s 67-seat majority in the Iowa House. The district includes Fort Madison, Keokuk, Donnellson, St. Paul, West Point, Montrose, Houghton, and rural parts of Lee County.
“Martin Graber was an honorable leader, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to follow in his footsteps,” Watkins said. “I vowed to be a common-sense, solution-oriented leader for Southeast Iowa in the Statehouse. I’ll work hard to lower taxes, keep good-paying jobs in Lee County, and ensure students receive a strong education.”
Gov. Kim Reynolds congratulated Watkins on his win, saying he will stand up for “common sense” and put his constituents first. She also said she looks forward to working with him on lowering taxes, protecting communities, and growing Iowa’s economy.
House Speaker Pat Grassley welcomed Watkins to the Iowa House, saying he will be a strong voice for Lee County.
“Iowa House Republicans have a proven track record of campaigning on the issues most important to Iowans and delivering on the promises we make,” Grassley said. “Losing Representative Graber was devastating to our caucus, but today we are proud to welcome a committed, common-sense leader to the Iowa House.”
Democratic candidate Nannette Griffin ran a competitive race in the Republican-leaning district. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart praised Griffin’s performance in the race, noting that she made it competitive in a district President Donald Trump won by 27 points. She said the results show Democrats are gaining ground in Republican areas ahead of the midterms.
Watkins will now serve out the remainder of Graber’s term in the Iowa House.
