DES MOINES, Iowa —

Iowa Democrats this week selected West Des Moines City Councilwoman Renee Hardman as their nominee for the special election in Iowa Senate District 16.

It's a seat that was left vacant after the death of state Sen. Claire Celsi earlier this month.

The special election is set for Dec. 30.

"I’m excited for this new opportunity. I certainly will not take anything for granted," Hardman said, adding she plans to sprint across the district in the coming weeks to make her case to voters.

"All of my life, I’ve been a fighter and a force for change," Hardman said. "I’ve worked with marginalized communities, and it’s exciting to be able to take my service to the next level."

Hardman called Celsi a friend and mentor, noting the late senator managed her first city council ca

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