IOWA, USA — Unofficial results are rolling in from Iowa's judicial retention election.
This year, an Iowa Supreme Court justice, four Iowa Court of Appeals judges and 64 district court judges were subject to retention elections.
In judicial retention elections, Iowans vote "yes" or "no" on whether certain judges can keep their jobs. If the majority of voters vote yes, the judge remains in their role until their next term is up.
If the public votes to remove a judge, Gov. Kim Reynolds will be forced to appoint a new judge in their place once the judge vacates their position at the end of the year.
Read on below for unofficial results from the Iowa Secretary of State's office.
David May: Iowa Supreme Court
Justice David May is the only member of the Iowa Supreme Court up for a judicial retention vote this November.
Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed May to the Iowa Supreme Court in 2022, replacing former Justice Brent Appel.
In 2023, May was one of three justices to rule in favor of the state's proposed six-week abortion ban. The controversial decision has caused some Iowans to call for his removal on Election Day.
Tyler Buller: Iowa Court of Appeals
Judge Tyler Buller was appointed by Reynolds to the Iowa Court of Appeals in 2022.
Prior to his time on the Court, Buller prosecuted criminal trials as Iowa's assistant attorney general.
Mary Chicchelly: Iowa Court of Appeals
Judge Mary Elizabeth Chicchelly was appointed by Reynolds to the Iowa Court of Appeals in December 2021.
Samuel Langholz: Iowa Court of Appeals
Judge Samuel Langholz was appointed to the Iowa Court of Appeals by Reynolds in August 2023
Mary Ellen Tabor: Iowa Court of Appeals
Judge Mary Ellen Tabor is the only Iowa Court of Appeals judge up for a retention vote who was not appointed by Reynolds.
Democratic Gov. Chet Culver appointed Tabor to the Iowa Court of Appeals in 2010.
District judges
For a full list of which district judges were retained or removed, click here.
