MEDIA RELEASE: Grassley, Reynolds lead Iowa Youth Straw Poll early results

DES MOINES – More than 13,000 students across Iowa made their voices heard by participating in Secretary of State Paul Pate’s Iowa Youth Straw Poll today. Students in K-12 schools were invited to vote for their preferred candidates in Iowa’s congressional and gubernatorial races. The purpose of the poll is to serve as a fun learning activity to engage young people in civics.

As of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25, Republican Kim Reynolds leads the Youth Straw Poll race for Governor, with 61% of the vote. Democratic Deidre DeJear has 30% and Libertarian Rick Stewart picked up 9%.

Republican Chuck Grassley is ahead in the U.S. Senate race, 62%-38% over Democrat Michael Franken.

Iowa’s four U.S. House races were polled as well. In the First Congressional District, Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks leads Christina Bohannon 60%-40%. Republican Ashley Hinson holds a 66%-34% lead over Liz Mathis.

Democrat Cindy Axne is ahead of Republican Zach Nunn in Iowa’s Third District, 55%-45%. Republican Randy Feenstra has garnered 63% of the vote in the Fourth District, with Democrat Ryan Melton at 24% and Liberty Party Caucus candidate Bryan Jack Holder at 14%.

Traditionally, the Iowa Youth Straw Poll has served as a good indicator of how the actual elections will shape up.

"I want to thank all the teachers, principals and staff that helped make the Youth Straw Poll possible, but most importantly, thank you to the students who made their voices heard," Secretary Pate said. "This was hopefully a valuable, hands-on learning experience for them, and I hope all of them will continue to be a voter throughout their lives."

Vote totals for this year and past years are available by clicking here. Numbers will be updated on Wednesday.

A soundbite from Secretary Pate is available for your use at this link.

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