Author: Kadie Johannson

Henry County voters headed to the polls Tuesday for Iowa’s Primary Election, with unofficial results showing 2,335 ballots cast out of 13,349 registered voters for a turnout of 17.49 percent.

Republicans accounted for nearly 69 percent of ballots cast, while Democrats made up just over 31 percent.

In the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, Josh Turek narrowly carried Henry County with 53 percent of the vote over Zach Wahls. Christina Bohannan received nearly 78 percent of the vote in the Democratic race for Iowa’s First Congressional District, defeating Travis Terrell.

Rob Sand was unopposed in the Democratic gubernatorial primary and received all 699 votes cast. Ryan Peterman for Secretary of State, Taylor Wettach for Auditor, John Norwood for Treasurer, and Chris Jones for Secretary of Agriculture were also unopposed and each received all votes cast in their respective races.

On the Republican side, the race for governor was the most contested statewide contest. Randy Feenstra led the field in Henry County with nearly 38 percent of the vote, followed by Zach Lahn at 33 percent. Adam Steen finished with nearly 17 percent, while Brad Sherman and Eddie Andrews rounded out the field.

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks won the Republican primary in Henry County’s First Congressional District race, receiving 68 percent of the vote to David Pautsch’s 32 percent.

In the Republican primary for Auditor of State, Chris Cournoyer edged Abigail Maas by just 43 votes, 654 to 611, making it the closest statewide race in the county.

Several county offices were also on the ballot. Kellie Sloan was unopposed for County Treasurer, Lynnae Buffington was unopposed for County Recorder, and Becky Wilson was unopposed for County Attorney.

The Republican primary for Henry County Supervisor drew six candidates. Heidi Zenk led the field with 603 votes, or just over 41 percent. Kevin Glaha finished second with 241 votes, followed by Joseph Buffington with 211, Reg Roth with 156, Phillip Grandinetti with 137, and Graig Stauffer with 116 votes.

In legislative races, Representative Jeff Shipley was unopposed in House District 87 and received 704 votes, while Representative Taylor Collins was unopposed in House District 95 and received 606 votes.

On the Democratic side in Iowa House District 87, Tom O’Donnell is unopposed for the nomination. While vote totals for O’Donnell were not included in the unofficial results released by the Henry County Auditor’s Office, he has secured the Democratic nomination and will face incumbent Republican Representative Jeff Shipley in the November general election. There were no Democratic challengers in Iowa House District 95 against Republican incumbent Taylor Collins.

The results remain unofficial pending certification by county election officials, which should take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Find the unofficial results HERE.

Henry County voters will head to the polls Tuesday, June 2, for Iowa’s Primary Election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Voters must cast a ballot at their assigned polling place and present an approved form of identification. Iowa’s primary election is a closed primary, meaning voters may only participate in the primary election of the political party with which they are registered, although voters may change party affiliation at the polls on Election Day.

Polling locations in Henry County include Wayland City Hall for Precinct 1, Winfield City Hall for Precinct 2, the Emergency Management Building at 900 West Washington Street in Mount Pleasant for Precinct 3, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church for Precincts 4 through 7, New London Christian Church for Precinct 8, and the New London Community Center for Precinct 9.

Locally, the only contested county race is the Republican primary for Henry County Supervisor. Six candidates are seeking the party’s nomination: Joseph Buffington, Graig Stauffer, Reg Roth, Kevin Glaha, Phillip Grandinette, and Heidi Zenk. The winner will advance to the November General Election.

Republican voters will also decide several high-profile statewide and federal contests. In the race for Governor of Iowa, Randy Feenstra, Eddie Andrews, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman, and Adam Steen are seeking the Republican nomination.

Republicans will also choose a nominee for the open U.S. Senate seat, with Congresswoman Ashley Hinson facing former State Senator Jim Carlin in the primary.

In Iowa’s First Congressional District, incumbent Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks faces a primary challenge from David Pautsch.

Democratic voters will also have several races on their ballot. State Auditor Rob Sand is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for governor.

For the U.S. Senate, Democrats will choose between State Representative Josh Turek and State Senator Zach Wahls. In Iowa’s First Congressional District, Christina Bohannan and Travis Terrell are competing for the Democratic nomination.

Locally, Sam Riepe is unopposed for the Democratic nomination for Henry County Supervisor and will advance to the November General Election.

Unofficial election results will begin to be released after polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday night and we’ll have that coverage for you on 105.5 FM and kilj.com.

The 71st Annual Mount Pleasant Rotary BBQ is set for this Thursday, June 4, and organizers are reminding community members who have already purchased tickets not to forget about one of Mount Pleasant’s longest-running traditions.

The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wright Family Pavilion in McMillan Park on the Midwest Old Threshers grounds.

Guests will enjoy a meal featuring their choice of pork chop or turkey tenderloin, along with a baked potato, coleslaw, roll, and cookie. Both drive-thru and dine-in options will be available. Drive-thru traffic should enter from Walnut Street, while dine-in and walk-up service will be offered on the north side of the pavilion.

Now in its 71st year, the Rotary BBQ serves as a major fundraiser supporting local and international Rotary service projects. Funds raised help support community organizations, student scholarships, literacy initiatives, health and wellness projects, environmental stewardship efforts, and Rotary’s ongoing fight to eradicate polio worldwide.

Members of both the Mount Pleasant Noon Rotary Club and Mount Pleasant Evening Rotary Club encourage ticket holders to mark their calendars and join them Thursday evening for food, fellowship, and community service.

Voters in Henry County got a closer look at the candidates running for Supervisor during last night’s Republican primary forum, hosted by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event featured the only contested Republican primary race in the county and gave residents an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on local business issues and economic development priorities ahead of the election like workforce development and housing.

Participating in the forum were Joe Buffington, Kevin Glaha, Reg Roth, Graig Stauffer, and Heidi Zenk. The discussion was moderated by host and Chamber Executive Rachel Lindeen.

A playback of the forum is available on KILJ’s Spotify page here.

Thanks to the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce for hosting the evening’s forum and helping connect local voters with the candidates seeking a seat on the Henry County Board of Supervisors.