DES MOINES – Thousands of students across the state participated in Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate's 2018 Spring Youth Straw Poll over the past few days. The results show Iowa's youth favoring Governor Kim Reynolds and congressional incumbents overall. U.S. House Representatives Rod Blum, Dave Loebsack, David Young and Steve King were the top vote-getters in their respective districts.

Fred Hubbell was the favorite amongst Democratic candidates in the gubernatorial primary, with 14 percent. Cathy Glasson garnered 10 percent of the vote and John Norris was third among Democrats, with eight percent.

Jake Porter was the preferred candidate for the Libertarian Party's gubernatorial nomination, with five percent, compared to two percent for Marco Battaglia..

Abby Finkenauer was the leading vote-getter among Democratic candidates in Iowa's First Congressional District, earning 31 percent. Students preferred Cindy Axne in Iowa's Third District in the Democratic field. She edged Eddie Mauro, by just over two points, 15-13 percent. John Paschen garnered the most votes among Democratic candidates in the Fourth District, with 17 percent.

"I want to thank all of the students that participated and all the teachers and officials that helped organize the Youth Straw Poll at their schools," Secretary Pate said. "The Youth Straw Poll provides students with a hands-on learning experience. This is a terrific way to educate them about the voting process and get them excited about and engaged in civics. It's also a great way to make sure the voices of Iowa's youth are heard."

Results are available on the Iowa Secretary of State's website, sos.iowa.gov. They are unscientific and the Iowa Youth Straw Poll is conducted for educational purposes only.

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