Voters in northwest Iowa are eyeing a high-stakes special election for the state Senate, a race that could reshape the balance of power in a chamber already precisely split along party lines. District 1, which includes Sioux City and parts of Woodbury County, will decide who fills the seat left vacant after the death of Republican Sen. Rocky De Witt.
Early indicators suggest strong interest in the contest, with Woodbury County Auditor and Election Commissioner Michelle Skaff noting brisk early voting activity as campaigns press their messages to voters. Skaff predicted turnout would be higher than usual for a district-level special election and said she expects results to help determine the winner.
The ballot features two familiar names in local politics. On the Republican side is Prosch, a media consultant and owner of a firm that advises clients on communications strategy. His campaign has centered on tax reform, economic growth, and property rights, including opposition to what he describes as an energy “crisis” and ongoing concerns about the CO2 pipeline. He argues for a broad tax overhaul, stronger job opportunities for Sioux City and the surrounding area, and policies that reduce barriers to economic development.
The Democratic candidate is Catelin Drey, founder of the Moms for Iowa advocacy group and a marketing professional in Sioux City. Drey says her focus is on average Iowans and wants to improve child care, health care, and affordable housing. She highlights rising cancer rates and what she describes as underfunded schools, arguing that the current administration has not adequately confronted issues impacting Iowa families.
Education is a key flashpoint in the race. Prosch supports continuing and potentially expanding education savings accounts (ESAs), which provide families with a set amount of funding per student to use at the school of their choice, including public, private, or charter options. He also has expressed openness to an income-based tiered approach to funding and has suggested that families should not be forced into a single schooling path based on geography.
Drey, by contrast, opposes public money going to private schools and says the state should keep pace with inflation in funding for public schools. She points to what she describes as a growing need in public education, with concerns about funding levels and the impact on rural districts and high-need populations in Sioux City.
The campaign has been prickly at times. A mailer circulated by the Republican Party of Iowa depicted Drey with pink hair and claimed she supports “illegal aliens” voting in elections—a claim she says is false. Drey rejected the charge, reiterating her belief that undocumented or non-U.S. citizens should not vote, a stance she calls the truth. Prosch, who has faced questions about his roots in Sioux City, pushed back on attacks about his views on abortion, saying he is “100% pro-life, from conception to natural death.” Drey, in turn, voiced support for body autonomy for women.
Both candidates have stressed that their backgrounds in the region give them practical insight into local concerns. Drey notes she moved to Sioux City nearly two decades ago to attend Morningside University, while Prosch emphasized his ties to a Sioux City family and his relatively recent but active involvement in the community.
A recent dispute centered on a candidate forum organized by the League of Women Voters of Sioux City. The forum, intended to provide voters with a chance to hear directly from the candidates, was scrapped by the organizers after they said Prosch did not respond to repeated outreach attempts, and Drey indicated she wanted to participate. Prosch offered scheduling conflicts as the reason, noting the presence of state officials and leadership in town on the proposed date. The League’s organizers countered that no specific alternative date had been set.
As the race moves toward Election Day, both campaigns plan to maximize contact with voters through door-to-door outreach, town halls, and other appearances, underscoring the desire to present a clear contrast on policy and priorities.
From a broader political perspective, the district’s affiliation data adds context to the stakes. In the lead-up to the election, party registration among the district’s 22 precincts shows Republicans outnumbering Democrats by a margin of roughly 38% to 31%, with about 29% identifying as unaffiliated. Absentee voting has been steady, with 1,776 requests reported as of Aug. 13 and ongoing in-person absentee voting.
The Senate balance remains a talking point beyond District 1. Republicans hold 33 seats to Democrats’ 16, and the outcome in this district could influence whether the GOP maintains its current supermajority or whether Democrats could edge toward a stronger minority position—though the GOP would still control the chamber in either scenario unless changes occur elsewhere.
Voters in Senate District 1 will cast ballots on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What to watch next
– Turnout patterns: If early voting momentum continues, turnout could exceed typical expectations for a district-level special election, potentially amplifying the impact of whichever message resonates most with voters.
– Education funding and school choice: The ESA debate versus expanded public-school funding will likely shape perceptions of each candidate’s priorities and readiness to address long-term fiscal pressures.
– Campaign conduct and media messaging: With disputes over forum participation and aggressive messaging on both sides, voters will weigh how candidates handle scrutiny and whether the focus shifts more to policy than to attacks.
Summary
The District 1 race in northwest Iowa centers on tax policy, education funding, and energy-related concerns, pitting Republican Prosch against Democrat Drey in a contest that could influence the Iowa Senate’s balance of power. As early voting continues and Election Day nears, both candidates are engaging voters directly while navigating a backdrop of campaign debate and public scrutiny. The outcome will contribute to the ongoing conversation about how best to address Iowa’s economic and social priorities in the years ahead.
Additional note
Voters are encouraged to review candidates’ positions and attend forums or local events to hear directly from them. This race underscores the importance of local elections as a barometer of public opinion on statewide policy directions and the potential for meaningful shifts in governance based on district-level results.