Voters in Ottumwa and the surrounding area have elected a new state senator.  Republican Adrian Dickey of Packwood defeated Democrat Mary Stewart in Tuesday’s (1/26) special election to select a replacement for Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who was elected to the US House last November.  Dickey won by 966 votes.  He thanked those who came out to vote despite the bad weather.

“I just greatly appreciate the voters in the district turning out. I mean it was awful, awful weather and so many roads were snowed in. I’m completely humbled and truly amazed by the will of the people who showed up.”

Dickey will likely be sworn in on February 8, once the election results are canvassed.  He’ll represent Iowa Senate District 41, which covers Wapello, Jefferson, Van Buren and Davis Counties.