Iowa Senate 42: Colman Silbernagel leads Charlie McClintock by 2 votes

Combat veteran Colman Silbernagel came out just two votes ahead of current state Rep. Charlie McClintock in the GOP primary race Tuesday for Iowa Senate District 42, with split stances on a proposal to use public funds for private school scholarships potentially swaying voters in the race.

The district covers much of rural Linn and Benton counties. There is no incumbent senator in the district because of redistricting in 2021. Democrat Jessica Wiskus will face the GOP winner of the primary in the Nov. 8 general election.

McClintock, of Alburnett, and Silbernagel, of Vinton, defeated Justin Wasson of Cedar Rapids, with Silbernagel in the lead at 1,514 votes out of 3,729 ballots cast, according to unofficial results. The candidates shared similar views on some issues, such as being against abortion rights, but differed in other areas.

McClintock currently serves in House District 95. He opposed Republican Gov. Kim Reynold’s school voucher bill that would divert some taxpayer funds toward scholarships for students to attend private schools, but said his future positions would be determined by the desires of his constituents.

Silbernagel has said he would support similar bills that give parents the right to decide how their children are educated.

Candidates could request a recount in the close race. For most elections, recount requests must be filed no later than 5 p.m. on the third day after the county canvass of votes, according to the secretary of state’s website. McClintock said Wednesday he would wait until after the canvass to decide about requesting a recount.

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