2014 United States Senate election in Iowa facts for kids
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The 2014 United States Senate election in Iowa was an important vote held in Iowa on November 4, 2014. In this election, voters chose who would represent their state in the United States Senate. Joni Ernst, a State Senator from the Republican Party, ran against Bruce Baley from the Democratic Party. Joni Ernst won the election, getting 52.1% of the votes. Bruce Baley received 43.8% of the votes.
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Iowa's 2014 Senate Election
This election was a big event in Iowa. People voted for their next Senator. A Senator is a person who helps make laws for the whole country. They work in Washington, D.C.
How Much Money Was Raised?
Both campaigns needed money to tell people about their ideas. Bruce Baley's campaign raised a little more money than Joni Ernst's. Baley's team spent about $10 million. Ernst's team spent about $6.6 million. This money was used for things like TV ads and events.
The Debates
Before the election, the candidates had three televised debates. These were chances for them to talk about their plans. The debates happened in different cities in Iowa. They were held in Des Moines, Davenport, and Sioux City.
Choosing Candidates: The Primaries
Before the main election, each party had its own "primary" election. This is how parties choose one person to run. It's like an internal competition.
Joni Ernst's Primary Win
Joni Ernst was a State Senator. She ran in the Republican primary. She won most of the counties in Iowa. She received 56.1% of the votes in her party's primary. This meant she would be the Republican candidate.
Other Primary Candidates
Several other people also ran in the Republican primary.
- Mark Jacobs was a C.E.O. He won one county and got 16.8% of the votes.
- Sam Clovis was a radio host. He won seven counties and got 18.0% of the votes.
- Matthew Whitaker, an attorney, also ran. He did not win any counties and received 7.5% of the votes.
- Congressman Steve King decided not to run in this election.
