Dec 19, 2025
Upcoming Special Election – 12-30-25. Iowa Political Action for Candidate Election (Iowa PACE), the political arm of NASW-IA, endorsed Renee Hardman for State Senate District 16, which covers portions of Polk & Dallas Counties.
The final day to vote in this special election is Tues. 12-30-25. If you live in this district, please consider voting early – we don’t want you to forget to vote during the hustle and bustle of the holidays!
Why this race is important
The death of State Senator Claire Celsi this fall meant that the governor’s party regained a super majority, at least until Senator Celsi’s seat is filled by special election. Senator Celsi was beloved by her constituents, respected by her colleagues from both political parties and an Iowa PACE endorsed candidate. Senator Celsi accepted our endorsements with exceptional enthusiasm -- her mother was a licensed social worker prior to retirement.
Why should social workers care about this super majority?
Because the director of Iowa Health and Human Services, director of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) and members of the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals are all gubernatorial appointments. If the governor chooses to appoint someone who does not seem to be a good fit for these and other positions, the minority party has a greater chance of blocking that appointment.
Use this link to determine if you live in SD-16
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find
Voting Information
If you are registered to vote in the Polk County portion of SD 16
Early Voting, Election Day Polling Places and Deadlines Etc.
https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/county-auditor/election/news-and-press-releases/special-election-iowa-state-senate-district-16-tuesday-december-30/
Dallas County
If you are registered to vote in Dallas County Precinct 227 (Precinct 227 is the only precinct in Dallas County located in Iowa State Senate District 16)
Voting early or by absentee ballot
https://www.dallascountyiowa.gov/182/Absentee-Voting-Information
12-30-25 Election Day
https://www.dallascountyiowa.gov/523/Upcoming-Elections
Other ways to help
Volunteer
🔗 linktr.ee/gotvsignup
Renee Hardman’s Linktree — The one-stop hub for everything Team Hardman, including RSVP links and schedules for every volunteer opportunity
If you live in Central Iowa, or might be visiting for the holidays, please consider doing some door knocking, phone calls or other volunteering. This special election is very likely to get lost in the holiday shuffle! We need to remind voters to get to the polls.
Learn more & Donate
🔗 HardmanforIowa.com
Support the campaign and see what Renee is ready to deliver for Iowa
Please, also consider donating directly to the candidate. While money raised is not the only key to success, it certainly makes a grassroots campaign easier.
Social Media
🔗 Hardman for Iowa Facebook Page — like, comment, share, and help amplify her message
https://www.facebook.com/HardmanforIowa
Donate to Iowa PACE
Iowa PACE does the research so you don’t have to. Our goal is to endorse candidates that support social workers and the people we serve, with a special emphasis on candidates from underrepresented communities. The vast majority of donations to Iowa PACE are contributed to Iowa Statewide candidates (such as Governor, Attorney General etc.) and state legislative candidates. Our collective donations allow us to make a bigger splash with candidates and let them know that social workers appreciate their stance on the issues.
🔗https://bit.ly/IowaPACE
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