Bohannan campaign wants recount, Miller-Meeks campaign cries 'election deniers'

The Democratic challenger for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District seat is calling for a recount in all 20 counties, including Jasper County.

Christina Bohannan’s campaign announced on Nov. 14 their intentions to issue a full recount of the congressional district race. The results collected by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office currently shows U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, the Republican incumbent, leading by just 802 votes.

In a statement released by Bohannan’s campaign manager, Jindalae Suh, the race was described as “razor-thin.” This is not the first time this congressional district was decided by such close margins. In 2020, the race between Miller-Meeks and Democrat Rita Hart went in the Republican’s favor by six votes.

“Over the past week, Iowa election officials have worked tirelessly to count and record hundreds of thousands of ballots in Iowa’s 1st congressional district race, resulting in a razor-thin margin,” Suh said. “As Rep. Miller-Meeks has acknowledged, a recount is to be expected in this very close race.

“To be absolutely certain that every voter is heard, the Bohannan campaign will request a recount in all 20 counties across the district, as permitted by Iowa law. We have full trust in this process and will accept the results regardless of the outcome.

“All Iowans should feel confident that at the conclusion of this transparent, precinct-level recount process, every lawful vote will be counted and reported accurately.”

In response, the Miller-Meeks campaign went on the offensive and issued statements attacking Bohannan, calling her a “failed congressional candidate.”

Alan Ostergren, Miller-Meeks’ counsel, said, “This is one more attempt by the DC Democrats to thwart or delay the will of Iowa voters. This margin of victory is insurmountable. Bohannan is just needlessly costing taxpayers money.”

Miller Meeks’s campaign said in a statement, “Just as Democrats are trying to steal a Senate seat in Pennsylvania, Bohannan and the Democrats remain election deniers in this race as well. This is a delaying tactic to thwart the will of the people.

“A recount won’t meaningfully change the outcome of this race as the congresswoman’s lead is mathematically impossible to overcome. Mariannette was humbled to win the support of the majority of voters and we remain confident Mariannette Miller-Meeks has been re-elected to a third term.”

Iowa House Rep. Jon Dunwell, who represents Jasper County in the Iowa Legislature, said in a tweet that it is time for Bohannan to concede.

“Virtually no chance she can overcome the margin to change the outcome,” Dunwell said. “Miller-Meeks is the winner.”

Jasper County Auditor Jenna Jennings said attorneys from both sides are still trying to work through al the paperwork and put together a recount board. As of Nov. 14, Jennings has reached out to both campaigns. Her plan is to start the recount by 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18.

Depending on how fast a recount board is formed, there could be delays in when the recount process can begin for all 20 counties.