Bousselot wins race to succeed Whitver as GOP state Senate nominee (original) (raw)

Updated June 2, 2026, 11:01 p.m. CT

A public school teacher, an economic development director and an Iowa state representative were selected by voters to serve as the Republican nominees in a slate of Iowa Senate races in the Des Moines metro.

This year, Republicans are hoping to sustain their wide margins in both legislative chambers. They currently hold a 67-33 supermajority in the House. In the Senate, the GOP majority has narrowed to 33-17 after Democrats made inroads during a string of special elections.

Incumbent Republican state Sen. Mike Bousselot secured the nomination on Tuesday, June 2, in a closely watched primary for Iowa Senate District 23, according to unofficial results. The seat is currently held by former Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, who is retiring.

Here are the results from the metro Iowa Senate races.

Iowa Senate District 11: Zajicek wins three-way Republican primary

Hollie Zajicek won a three-way Republican primary in unofficial results for Iowa Senate District 11, defeating Mandee Shivers and Jon Thorup.

Zajicek led Thorup 39% to 31%. Shivers closely followed Thorup with 30% of the vote. Zajicek will go on in November to face Sinnika Waugh, who is the only Democrat running.

The seat is open after Republican Sen. Julian Garrett announced his retirement following a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Zajicek, Norwalk's economic development director, said her top issue was strengthening and growing local economies.

Iowa Senate District 17: El-Baroudi wins Democratic primary, beating Van Cleave

Samy El-Baroudi edged out Grace Van Cleave in unofficial results of the Democratic primary for Iowa Senate District 17.

El-Baroudi led Van Cleave 53% to 47%. He will go on to face Ronald Langston, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

Senate District 17 encompasses areas north of the Des Moines River, including Des Moines' Oak Park, Prospect Park, Sherman Hill and Drake neighborhoods and the East Village. Current District 17 Sen. Izaah Knox is running for Polk County Supervisor.

As a public school teacher, El-Baroudi's top issues were increasing public school funding and eliminating Iowa's Education Savings Accounts.

Iowa Senate District 19: Kniff McCulla wins Republican primary

State Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla won the Republican primary for Iowa Senate District 19, according to unofficial results, beating Bob Eschliman.

Kniff McCulla led Eschliman 67.83% to 32.02%. She will go on to face Zachary Mecham, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

The district includes all of Jasper County, the western half of Mahaska County and a large portion of Marion County. Republican Sen. Ken Rozenboom of Pella is vacating the seat as he retires from the Legislature.

McCulla currently represents Iowa House District 37. She did not respond to the Register's candidate questionnaire about her positions on the issues.

Iowa Senate District 23: Bousselot wins Republican primary

Mike Bousselot secured his party's nomination in the Republican primary for Senate District 23, according to unofficial results.

He led his Republican opponent, Wes Enos, deputy chief of staff for GOP U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, 65% to 35%. Bousselot will face Democrat Tony Thompson, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Iowa Senate District 23 includes north and east Polk County and parts of eastern Dallas County, including some of Granger, Grimes, Bondurant, Mitchellville, Runnells and Urbandale. The seat opened up after former Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver announced his retirement from the legislature in 2025.

Bousselot, who currently represents Iowa Senate District 21, is focused on easing the cost of living by lowering property taxes.