Gov. Kim Reynolds has scheduled a special election for Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, to fill the vacancy in Iowa Senate District 16 following the death of state Sen. Claire Celsi.
Celsi died Oct. 6. She was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018 and served on several committees, including as ranking member of the Senate Government Oversight Committee.
Under Iowa Code, the governor has the authority to set the date for a special election when a legislative seat becomes vacant. Senate District 16 includes parts of West Des Moines, Clive and Windsor Heights.
Reynolds issued a proclamation formalizing the special election date on Thursday, Oct. 9.
