Shipley wins State House 87

MT. PLEASANT — Republican Jeff Shipley retained his seat in the Iowa House with 6,437 votes from Henry, Jefferson, and Van Buren counties compared to Democratic Candidate Mike Heaton’s 5,151 votes.

“Thank you everyone for your continued love and prayers, especially the voters of Fairfield, Mount Pleasant and Van Buren counties,” Shipley said of his win. “I am honored to continue my service to the State of Iowa — ensuring the life, liberty, and happiness of all Iowans — is protected and cherished at all times.”

With the redistricting, Shipley won over new territory in Heaton’s home territory of Henry County with a difference of 748 votes.

Heaton’s campaign, however, put up a fight in Jefferson County with 843 more votes than Shipley.

Shipley did gain votes overall in Jefferson County compared to numbers from the last election.

While Heaton is disappointed at the loss, he is proud of the coalition of people that surrounded him on the campaign trail.

“We feel proud,” Heaton said. “These are people that felt like they weren’t heard in their communities and we are going to build on this.”

As an active participant in the Mt. Pleasant community, Heaton plans to continue to rally together his coalition of people who feel marginalized.

“I also wish to thank my opponent Mike Heaton, and his supporters, for a strong campaign and passion for rural Iowa,” Shipley said.

Going forward, “We face many challenges, and our success is determined by our ability to work together,” Shipley said.

Shipley has served as an Iowa House Representative since 2019.

He has served on the education, local government, and natural resources committees for 88th General Assembly.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com