LEE COUNTY, Iowa — Republicans have managed to keep control of a vacant Iowa House seat.

On Tuesday, a special election was held in District 100, which covers most of Lee County. The election was called for after the unexpected death of Rep. Martin Graber (R) in January. He died of a heart attack.

The unofficial special election results from the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office show Republican Blaine Watkins defeated Democrat Nannette Griffin by 52% to 48%.

Watkins will serve out the remainder of Graber’s term, which runs through 2026.