Convention News: Hubbell Selects Hart for LG, Naig Wins Sec. of Ag Nomination

June 21, 2018

Republicans and Democrats met last weekend for the state conventions. Delegates from around the state descended upon Des Moines for the bi-annual political functions. Democratic gubernatorial nominee Fred Hubbell selected Rita Hart of Wheatland to be on the ticket as his lieutenant governor. Hart is a state senator from Clinton County. She is also a former teacher and currently operates a family farm with her husband. Hart was up for re-election this year, which means her seat is now open since she is on the gubernatorial ticket. Democrats will hold a special nominating convention in the near future to select someone who will face Republican Chris Cournoyer in November. This state senate race will be one of the most hotly contested this cycle.

Incumbent Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig won the Republican nomination at the state convention on Saturday. He overcame four opponents and emerged victorious on the fourth ballot by defeating Ray Gaesser 647 (54.1%) to 548 (45.9%). It was required that delegates select the nominee via the convention process because no Republican candidate received at least 35% of the vote on the day of the primary.