2nd District, Iowa — Democrat Rita Hart has ended her challenge of the outcome of her race against Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks.
State-certified results showed Hart finishing six votes behind Miller-Meeks, out of more than 400-thousand cast in Iowa’s second congressional district. Hart filed a petition with the U.S. House Committee on Administration. She argued at least 22 legally cast ballots had not been included in the district-wide recount in November.
Hart says after many conversations with people she trusts, she made the decision to end the contest. Hart says there’s been a toxic drumbeat of political disinformation about the review process and Hart’s calling for reform of the recount process in close races like hers to ensure lawfully cast votes aren’t excluded in the future.
Hart, in a written statement, said having the race be in limbo has been difficult for all involved and she wished Miller-Meeks all the best as she continues to serve Iowans. Miller-Meeks issued a statement, thanking Hart for her decision. Miller-Meeks, who lost three previous races for congress, says she knows how extremely difficult it is to lose an election. Miller-Meeks says Hart’s gracious concession boosts faith and confidence in the election system and Iowa laws.
