Politics & Government
GOP Nominating Convention to be Held Tonight to Decide a Candidate in Senate District 22
Members of the central committees from both Polk and Dallas counties will meet tonight at a special nominating convention to choose a Republican nominee in Senate District 22.
The general election might be over, but one statehouse seat remains to be filled in Iowa Senate District 22.
The vacancy was left after the passing of who died last month after a three-year battle with breast cancer.
Ward was running against West Des Moines Democrat Desmund Adams for the newly-redistricted seat that includes Waukee, Clive, Windsor Heights and part of West Des Moines.
Find out what's happening in Waukeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Iowa code states that if a party loses a candidate within 88 days of an election, a replacement candidate must be found and a special election conducted to choose the person to fill the vacant seat.
If Tuesday's general election was any indication, a majority of voters favor a Republican in that seat. The votes were counted but the results are void.
Find out what's happening in Waukeefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Republican Party will hold a special nominating convention tonight at 7 p.m. at the Republican Party of Iowa Headquarters, 621 E. Ninth St. in Des Moines. During that time, representatives from parts of Polk and Dallas County will receive nominations for a GOP candidate to replace Ward.
By law, the Republican Party has until 5 p.m. on Nov. 13 to submit a name to appear on the Dec. 11 special election ballot.
Speculation as to who the replacement candidate will be has been flying since Ward's death on Oct. 15. Early rumors pointed to Point of Grace pastor Jeff Mullen, who lost to Ward in the primary election in June. Mullen released a statement last week saying he will not seek the nomination.
Only one person has publicly declared his interest in replacing Ward in Senate District 22, the late senator's husband, John Ward.
Several candidates confirmed to the Iowa Republican this week their intention to seek the nomination. Among those running, Clive Mayor Scott Cirksena; West Des Moines Valley teacher Greg Hudson; former Waukee city councilman Isaiah McGee; Republican activist Connie Schmett; and West Des Moines city councilman Charles Schneider.
Patch will report from the convention tonight at 7 p.m. Check back in later this evening for results.
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