Central DeWitt School Board president Mike Zimmer announced on December 23 that he will seek the Democratic nomination in Iowa Senate district 35, where voters will choose a successor to Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer on January 28. In a statement enclosed in full below, Zimmer promised to “champion Eastern Iowa’s public schools, working families, and our middle class” by fighting for “stronger public schools, better wages, and opportunities that foster real financial stability.”
According to a guide from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office, candidates have until 5:00 PM on January 14 to file nominating papers with the secretary of state. Before then, Democrats and Republicans will hold nominating conventions, where delegates from the 36 precincts across the Senate district will choose a nominee. Third-party or independent candidates need to collect at least 100 signatures from eligible voters residing in the district, and submit those petitions with their nominating papers.
While others could compete for the Democratic nomination at the special convention, Zimmer’s proven electoral track record would give him an advantage.
Recent voting patterns indicate that Republicans will be favored to hold Senate district 35. Cournoyer won about 61 percent of the vote in her 2022 re-election bid. Bleeding Heartland’s analysis of the 2024 election results show that voters in this district preferred Donald Trump in the presidential race by a 21-point margin, and favored Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the Congressional race by more than a 9-point margin.
That said, anything can happen in a low-turnout special election.
Senate district 35 covers all of Clinton County, portions of northern Scott County, and part of Jackson County including the city of Maquoketa.
Appendix: December 23 news release from Iowa Senate Democrats
Mike Zimmer Announces Bid for Senate District 35 Special Election, Pledges to Champion Iowa’s Public Schools, Working Families, and the Middle Class
DeWitt, IA – Longtime public education professional, coach, and president of the Central DeWitt School Board Mike Zimmer announced today that he plans to seek the Democratic nomination to run for the January 28th Special Election in Iowa Senate District 35 (Clinton, Jackson, and Scott Counties), pledging to champion Eastern Iowa’s public schools, working families, and our middle class. Mike released the following statement:
“As a proud Iowan, family man, small business owner, educator, and coach, I’ve spent my life working to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for people to succeed,” Zimmer said. “I’m running for the State Senate to bring bold, people-first solutions to the Statehouse—solutions that ensure our public schools are stronger, wages are better, and working families have the stability and tools to thrive in today’s economy.”
With decades of experience in leadership and public service, Mike believes Iowa’s future depends on building a thriving middle class. “It’s not enough for families to just get by—we need to make sure they can truly get ahead. That’s the kind of future I’ll be fighting for in the Senate,” Zimmer stated.
Mike has been married to Tammy for 42 years. They are the proud parents of five children and have ten grandchildren. Mike is an active St. Ann Catholic Church member in Long Grove and a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus. He also dedicates his time to community service, acting as the volunteer driver coordinator for Humble Dwellings and serving as the Central DeWitt School Board President. Mike is running because he believes in strong leadership that supports Iowa’s working families. He is committed to fighting for stronger public schools, better wages, and opportunities that foster real financial stability.
You can learn more about Mike’s campaign by going to facebook.com/mikezimmerforiowa