JOHNSON COUNTY — While the state of Iowa experienced a so-called “red wave” as all four Congressional seats were won by Republicans, and Governor Kim Reynolds retained her position in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election, Johnson County remained a Democratic party stronghold.
According to unofficial results provided by the Johnson County Auditor’s Office, 63,975 voters cast ballots, or just over 70% of the eligible population in the county.
US Senate
Senator Chuck Grassley (R) retained his seat but lost Johnson County to Michael Franken (D) 45,372 to 18,242.
1st US Congressional District
Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) retained her seat but Christina Bohannon (D) won the county 45,416 to 18,116.
Governor
Governor Kim Reynolds (R) was re-elected but lost the county to Deidre DeJear (D) 43,646 to 18,409. Libertarian candidate Rick Stewart was a distant third with 1,501 votes
Secretary of State
Paul Pate (R) was re-elected but Joel Miller (D) won the county 42,455 to 20,446.
State Auditor
Auditor Rob Sand (D) held off challenger Todd Halbur (R) and won Johnson County 46,591 to 16,237.
State Treasurer
Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald (D) held off challenger Roby Smith (R) and won the county 45,339 to 17,370.
Secretary of Agriculture
Ag Secretary Mike Naig (R) held off challenger John Norwood (D), but Norwood won the county 41,621 to 20,630.
State Attorney General
In one of the biggest upsets of the night, longtime Attorney General Tom Miller (D) was unseated by Brenna Bird (R). Miller found support locally however winning Johnson County 46,231 to 16,407 for Bird.
State Senate District 46
Due to redistricting two incumbent State Senators, Dawn Driscoll and Kevin Kinney battled at the ballot box for District 46, which includes Solon. Driscoll prevailed, but Kinney won Johnson County 6,242 to 4,934.
Iowa House District 85
Redistricting also brought North Liberty’s incumbent State Representative Amy Nielsen (D) to Solon. Nielsen defeated Wayne Grell (R) 9,150 to 4,742. Libertarian candidate Jacob Wenck received 484 votes.
Iowa House District 91
This battle for District 91, which includes Big Grove Twp. was the closest of the night with Brad Sherman (R) defeating Elle Wyant (D) 3,962 to 3,684. District 91 includes Iowa County and Sherman prevailed 8,760 to 6,215 for the seat.
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors remains 100% Democrat with the reelection of Supervisor Jon Green and the addition of V Fixmer-Oraiz. Green received 40,197 votes, Fixmer-Oraiz received 36,334 with two seats on the line. Republican challengers Phil Hemingway and Jammie Bradshaw garnered 19,744 and 16,294 respectively while independent candidate Eric Heick netted 1,980.
Constitutional Amendment 1 – The right to keep and bear arms
Voters statewide approved an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa, which protects Iowans’ right to keep and bear arms 65% to 35%, or 747,984 yes votes to 399,551 opposed. In Johnson County however, voters opposed the measure 40,388 to 20,219.
All results are considered “unofficial” until a canvass of election results is held by the Board of Supervisors.
‘Red Wave’ mostly bypasses Johnson County
November 17, 2022