Iowa's third state senate district is represented by Republican Senator Jim Carlin.

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

2017

A special election for the position of Iowa State Senate District 3 was held on December 12, 2017. The seat became vacant following the resignation of incumbent Bill Anderson (R) on November 1, 2017. The candidate filing deadline was November 17, 2017.

Jim Carlin (R) defeated Todd Wendt (D) in the general election. Official results had Carlin winning with 54.5 percent of the vote.

Both parties held nominating conventions to choose candidates for the race. Republicans chose state Rep. Jim Carlin from House District 6, and Democrats chose Todd Wendt, a former superintendent of Le Mars schools. At the Republican nominating convention on November 13, Carlin defeated Akron City Councilman Alex Pick for the nomination by a 58-42 percent margin. Wendt was the only candidate who sought the Democratic nomination at a convention held on November 11.

Iowa State Senate District 3, Special Election, 2017

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 Bill Anderson was unopposed in the Republican primary and was unchallenged in the general election.

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. Incumbent David Johnson (R) was unopposed in both the general election and Republican primary.

Iowa State Senate, District 3, General Election, 2010

Campaign contributions

From 2002 to 2014, candidates for Iowa State Senate District 3 raised a total of $517,660. Candidates who raised money in contributions earned $47,060 on average. All figures come from Follow the Money.

Campaign contributions, Iowa State Senate District 3