WINTERSET, Iowa -- Michele Brant has officially taken the oath of office as Madison County Auditor, following a decisive victory in last week’s special election.

Brant was sworn in Tuesday night during a Board of Supervisors Special Session. Her landslide victory of more than 70% of the vote was confirmed just moments before.

She now assumes leadership of an office that has faced recent turmoil and turnover. In an interview shortly before being sworn in, Brant shared her sense of responsibility and optimism for the road ahead with WHO 13's Katie Kaplan.

Brant, who said she has been preparing since the unofficial results were issued on election day, added that temporary Auditor Matthew Schwarz had helped to make it a smooth transition.

"It's starting to sink in that I'm going to be the

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