Former Lake Mills, Iowa, resident Terry Branstad, who served as Iowa governor for four terms during the 1980s and ’90s, on Tuesday was declared the winner of the Republican primary election for the same seat. 

With 99 percent of the precincts reporting this morning, Branstad, who now resides in Boone, received just more than 50 percent of the vote, Bob Vander Plaats, of Sioux City, had roughly 41 percent, and state Rep. Rod Roberts, of Carroll, had about 9 percent, according to the Associated Press. 

In Winnebago and Worth counties, Branstad obtained a greater margin against his opponents. 

In Winnebago County, Branstad had about 71 percent of the vote, Vander Plaats had 25 percent and Roberts had 4 percent.

In Worth County, Brandstad had about 25 percent of the vote, Vander Plaats had 23 percent and Roberts had 12 percent. 

Branstad will next face off against first-term Democratic Gov. Chet Culver during the Nov. 2 general election. 

“Tonight Iowa Republicans have decided that our state is ready for a comeback, and I’m ready to lead that change,” Branstad said in accepting victory over GOP rivals Bob Vander Plaats and Rod Roberts, according to the Des Moines Register. “To those businesses struggling to make the next payroll. To workers hunting for good work, for good jobs, to those communities fighting to stay alive, to those families hoping for a better education for their kids, I say, ‘Change is coming.’”

While previously in office, Branstad was Iowa’s longest-sitting governor. 

Branstad had received endorsements from former Iowa Gov. Robert Ray and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. 

The Des Moines Register reports Tuesday’s primary turnout was the highest for a Republican primary for governor since 1994.

Culver’s campaign manager, Donn Stanley, told the newspaper roughly half of primary voters did not choose Branstad, despite the millions the former governor spent advertising. 

“It’s very telling about how competitive this race will be, when a former four-term governor spends nearly $3 million and barely got 50 percent of the vote,” Stanley said. 

Voters who came out Tuesday said they recognize the importance of letting their voices be heard. 

Worth County husband and wife Jim and Sonya Dahle said they didn’t always have the chance to vote, so now that they do, they always make it a point to do so. 

“We always vote,” Jim Dahle said. “We wouldn’t miss a vote.”

Sonya Dahle added she wished more young people would get involved with the election process and be informed of the current political scene. 

Retired Northwood, Iowa, teacher Blanche Hogen, 87, who voted Tuesday morning at the Northwood Fire Station, said she has always practiced her civic duty by voting. Something that stuck out to her this year, however, was all the negative campaigning. 

“I have received some very negative information in the mail,” Hogen said. “I don’t like negative campaigns.” 

The following are the results of the other federal, state and county elections on the primary ballots Tuesday:

U.S. Senate

Roxanne Conlin won the Democratic primary for this seat across the state. 

Registered Democrats in Winnebago county also selected Conlin as the clear winner for the Democratic seat for U.S. senator, claiming 71 percent of the vote. Thomas L. Fiegen captured about 13 percent of votes, and Bob Krause had 16 percent.

In Worth County, Conlin claimed about 73 percent of the vote.

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley was the only candidate on the Republican Party ballot.

U.S. Representative District 4

Republican Tom Latham and Democrat Bill Maske were selected by voters to run for this race in November. Latham and Maske were the only candidates in their parties for this office.

Worth County primary election results are in

Results of the Winnebago County primary election

Secretary of State

Attorney Matt Schultz won the Republican primary nomination across the state. 

Schultz was also the victor in this race in Worth County, receiving about 44 percent of the votes. The other Republican candidates received the following votes: George S. Eichhorn, 24 percent, and Chris Sanger, 32 percent. 

In Winnebago County, Sanger won the primary, receiving about 37 percent of the votes. Schultz came in a close second with 35 percent of votes. Eichhorn received 28 percent. 

Incumbent Secretary of State Michael A. Mauro, was the only candidate for the Democratic ticket.

State Auditor

Republican David A. Vaudt was selected for the Republican ballot in November. He was the only Republican candidate. There were no Democratic candidates.

State Treasurer

Story County Treasurer Dave Jamison won the Republican Primary and will challenge current State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald. 

Winnebago County voters also selected Jamison as the Republican candidate for this seat. Jamison received 66 percent of the vote, while James A. Heavens received 34 percent.

In Worth County, Jamison received 67 percent of the vote, while James A. Heavens received 33 percent.

Fitzgerald was the only candidate on the Democratic ballot.

State Secretary of Agriculture

Republican Bill Northey was the only candidate that ran for the Republican ballot.

Francis Thicke was the only candidate on the Democratic ballot.

Attorney General

Brenna Findley was chosen as the Republican candidate with Democrat Tom Miller was chosen as her opponent.

State Representative District 11

Incumbent state Rep. Henry Rayhons was chosen by both Winnebago County and Worth County residents for the Republican primary. 

In Winnebago County, Rayhons received 73 percent of the vote while Olson received 27 percent.

In Worth County, Rayhons received 69 percent of the vote while Olson received 31 percent. 

Ann Marie Fairchild was selected as the Democratic candidate. She was the only Democratic candidate for this office.

Winnebago County Supervisor District 1

This was a close race on the Republican ballot with Terry Durby receiving about 51 percent of votes and Gloria E. Johnson receiving about 49 percent. No Democrats filed.

Winnebago County Supervisor District 3

Incumbent Warren Willie Wubben was selected on the Democratic ticket. He was the only person running in this party.

For the Republican ticket, Stacy Willert was chosen. She was the only Republican candidate for this office.

Winnebago County Treasurer

No Democratic candidates ran in this race.

Republican incumbent Julie Swenson was selected on this ballot. She was the only candidate.

Winnebago County Recorder

No Democratic candidates filed in this race.

Republican incumbent Kristin Colby was selected on this ballot. She was the only candidate.

Winnebago County Auditor

Incumbent Republican Karla Niederkofler won on this ballot. There were no Democratic candidates.

Worth County Supervisor District 1

Incumbent Supervisor Dennis May was selected by Democrats, while Republican Dave Prestholt was selected on the Republican ballot.

Worth County Supervisor District 3

Write-in votes received the majority of votes in this race for Democrats with 57 percent of votes being write-ins and 43 percent going for incumbent Supervisor Jeffrey L. Creger. 

For the Republicans Lois Colleen Lawler was selected on the ballot. She was the only Republican candidate for this position.

Worth County Treasurer

No Democratic candidates ran in this race; however, there were 11 write-ins.

Republican incumbent Jake Hanson was selected on this ballot. He was the only candidate.

Worth County Recorder

No Democratic candidates filed in this race. There were eight write-ins.

Republican incumbent Liz Kenison was selected on this ballot. She was the only candidate.

Worth County Attorney

No Democratic candidates ran in this race. There were eight write-ins.

Current County Attorney Jeffrey H. Greve, won on the Republican ballot. He will run unopposed in November.