Iowa's forty-fifth state senate district is represented by Democratic Senator Jim Lykam.

Iowa state senators represent an average of 60,927 residents. After the 2000 Census, each member represented 58,586 residents.

About the chamber

Members of the Iowa State Senate serve four-year terms and are not subject to term limits. Half of the senate is up for re-election every two years. Iowa legislators assume office the first day of January after their election.

Qualifications

The Iowa Constitution states, "Senators shall be chosen for the term of four years, at the same time and place as representatives; they shall be twenty-five years of age, and possess the qualifications of representatives as to residence and citizenship."

Salaries

Vacancies

If a vacancy occurs in the Senate, the governor must call for a special election within five days of the vacancy. If the vacancy happens while the Senate is in session, the governor can call the election to be held as soon as possible. However, a minimum 18-day notice is required. All other special elections require a 45-day notice as long as there are no school elections scheduled on the same day.

Elections

2020

Elections for the office of Iowa State Senate will take place in 2020. The general election will be held on November 3, 2020. A primary is scheduled for June 2, 2020. The filing deadline is March 13, 2020.

2018

No Republican candidates ran in the primary.

2016

A special election for the position of Iowa State Senate District 45 was called for December 27.

The seat was vacant following Joe Seng's (D) death on September 16, 2016.

State Rep. Jim Lykam (D) defeated Mike Gonzales (R) in the special election.

2014

Elections for the Iowa State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on June 3, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 14, 2014. Incumbent Joe M. Seng defeated Mark James Riley in the Democratic primary and was unchallenged in the general election.

Iowa State Senate, District 45 Democratic Primary, 2014

2010

Elections for the office of Iowa State Senate consisted of a primary election on June 8, 2010, and a general election on November 2, 2010. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 19, 2010. Sandra Greiner (R) defeated incumbent Becky Schmitz (D) and Douglas Phillips (Iowa Party) in the general election. Schmitz was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Greiner defeated Randy Besick and Rick Marlar in the Republican primary.

Iowa State Senate, District 45, General Election, 2010

Iowa State Senate, District 45 Republican Primary, 2010

Campaign contributions

From 2002 to 2014, candidates for Iowa State Senate District 45 raised a total of $1,426,568. Candidates who raised money in contributions earned $95,105 on average. All figures come from Follow the Money.

Campaign contributions, Iowa State Senate District 45