Miller-Meeks wins reelection in big Iowa win for Republicans

Cami MondeauxNovember 27, 2024

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Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) has successfully secured reelection in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, narrowly defeating Democrat Christina Bohannan by a⁤ mere 0.2 percentage points, which translates to about 800 votes. The Associated Press announced the result three weeks after Election Day, following a recount requested by Bohannan. Despite the race being officially called later, Miller-Meeks had previously declared victory on election night. This tightly contested race was among the last ‌three remaining uncalled contests post-election, alongside two races in ⁣California. With ⁢Miller-Meeks’⁣ victory, Republicans are poised to hold⁣ a 220-215 majority in the House, albeit a slim margin compared to their previous‍ term. The only race still pending is ⁤California’s 13th Congressional ‌District, where Republican Rep. John Duarte is currently ⁤trailing against Democrat Adam Gray.

Miller-Meeks wins reelection in big win for Republicans in tight House race

Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) survived a challenge to her seat in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, fighting back a challenge from Democrat Christina Bohannan in one of the most competitive races of the 2024 cycle.

Miller-Meeks defeated Bohannan by just 0.2 percentage points, equalling out to nearly 800 votes. The Associated Press called the race on Wednesday afternoon, three weeks after Election Day.

Miller-Meeks had already declared victory on election night despite the race not being officially called until all ballots were tabulated and the district underwent a recount due to a request by Bohannan.

The race was one of three that was left outstanding in the weeks after Election Day, in addition to two races in California. Two of those were called on Wednesday, including Miller-Meeks’s district and California’s 45th Congressional District where Democratic candidate Derek Tran defeated GOP incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA).

Only one race remains to be called: California’s 13th Congressional District held by Rep. John Duarte (R-CA), who is currently trailing Democratic challenger Adam Gray.

If those numbers hold, Republicans will have a 220-215 majority — an even smaller majority than the one they have struggled with over the last two years.

That majority will face even more complications at the start of next year when Republicans are expected to start the year with at least three vacancies in the seats held by former Rep. Matt Gaetz as well as Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Mike Waltz (R-FL).

Those vacancies would leave the House makeup at 217-215, giving Republicans only a one-seat majority — raising concerns among members about how much of President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda they will be able to accomplish in the first 100 days. It also puts added pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to lock up every single GOP vote for the Jan. 3, 2025, floor vote for House speaker.