DES MOINES, Iowa —

Republicans are one seat away from holding a supermajority in the Iowa Senate, and voters in Senate District 16 will decide whether they reach that threshold.

Republican Lucas Loftin is the newest candidate in the race, launching his campaign ahead of the Dec. 30 special election .

The seat opened after the passing of Democratic Sen. Claire Celsi in October . Iowa Senate District 16 includes parts of West Des Moines, Clive and Windsor Heights.

Loftin says he entered the race because he believes leadership at the Statehouse matters.

"We need people of character. We need people of honor. We need godly people to stand up and rise at opportunities that come around," Loftin said. "This is me rising to the occasion and going to give it all we got."

Loftin and his wif

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