Democrat Mike Zimmer has defeated Republican Kate Whittington in the special election for Senate District 35, which was vacated by Chris Cournoyer.

Republicans still have large legislative majorities in Iowa, but a Democrat’s apparent win in a solidly conservative area buoyed that party at a moment of uncertainty.

Democrats have flipped an Iowa state Senate seat in a district that overwhelmingly voted for President Trump in November. Democrat Mike Zimmer, who has worked in education and serves as the