Judkins Says Recount Won't Change Outcome of Iowa House Race

Susan Judkins has called off a recount in the House District 43 race, saying questions about how absentee ballots were counted have been answered and her 22-vote loss would likely stand even if all ballots were considered.

Judkins, a Democrat, challenged incumbent state Rep. Chris Hagenow in the district, which includes Windsor Heights and parts of West Des Moines and Clive.

Republican Hagenow, an attorney who is now beginning his third term in the Legislature, was elected majority whip by his colleagues.

In a post on her Facebook page, Judkins wrote:

“I have asked my recount designee, Mark McCormick, to call off the recount. Questions about whether all absentee ballots were counted have been satisfactorily answered and I believe my narrow loss would likely stand even if all ballots were considered.”

She also thanked supporters of what she called an “effort to run a positive campaign that reflected the type of legislator I would be.”

“Every one of you has made a special impact on my life,” she wrote. “And I will continue to work to make a positive difference for our communities and our state.”