Today’s campaign round-up highlights the final special election of 2025 in Iowa, where a Republican victory would give the GOP a state legislative supermajority. In Virginia, Sen. Mark Warner’s re-election prospects improved after Bryce Reeves withdrew. Harriet Hageman is now the front-runner in the Wyoming Senate race and has been endorsed by Donald Trump. The report also covers a heated Florida GOP primary remark, Ohio’s end to mail-in ballot grace periods, and A.J. McCarron’s withdrawal from the Alabama lieutenant governor race.
Campaign Round-Up — 12.30.25: Iowa’s Final Special Election Could Give GOP A Supermajority
Here’s today’s round-up of notable campaign developments from across the United States.
Iowa: Final Special Election Of 2025
The last special election of 2025 is taking place in a Des Moines-area district, where voters will choose a new state senator. If the Republican candidate wins, the GOP would secure a supermajority in the Iowa state legislative chamber, a shift that could shape the state’s policy agenda and veto dynamics.
Virginia: Warner’s Odds Improve
Sen. Mark Warner (D) was already favored for re-election; his path just got easier after Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves withdrew from the race over the weekend. Reeves’ exit leaves the GOP without a clear, high-profile challenger to Warner.
Wyoming: Hageman Enters Senate Race
Rep. Harriet Hageman (R) announced last week that she will vacate her U.S. House seat to run for the U.S. Senate in Wyoming. With Sen. Cynthia Lummis retiring after one term, Hageman is now the leading contender to succeed her. Former President Donald Trump has already endorsed Hageman’s bid, a boost that could discourage primary challengers and consolidate support.
The Iowa State Capitol seen in Des Moines, Iowa on Oct. 18, 2024.(Bill Clark / Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Florida GOP Primary Turns Bitter
The Republican gubernatorial primary in Florida has grown contentious after businessman James Fishback publicly attacked Rep. Byron Donalds, accusing him of being a “slave” to “corporate interests” and “tech bros.” The comment sparked backlash and intensified divisions within the GOP primary field.
Ohio: Mail-In Ballot Grace Period Ended
Republican election officials in Ohio have eliminated grace periods for mail-in ballots. Under the new policy, ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but received after Election Day will no longer be counted — a change that could reduce the number of late-counted ballots in future contests.
Alabama: A.J. McCarron Drops Out
Former college quarterback A.J. McCarron, who had not registered to vote until a few months before launching a Republican bid for lieutenant governor, withdrew from the race and accepted a football coaching job. His departure removes a high-profile name from the Alabama contest.
This post first appeared on MS NOW.
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