Jefferson County Attorney Chauncey Moulding won re-election Tuesday, November 3rd, defeating write-in challenger Ed Harvey by a roughly 4-to-1 margin — though the margin was narrower than his 2022 victory, in which he received 5,085 votes to just 149 write-in votes.
According to unofficial results, Moulding received 4,163 votes to 1,332 write-in votes Tuesday.
In a statement following his victory, Moulding thanked supporters and reflected on the campaign.
“Thank you for your renewed vote of confidence, Jefferson County. I renew my vow that your trust in me is not misplaced,” Moulding said.
Moulding noted the margin mirrored his win four years ago.
“We beat the challenger, Ed Harvey, by a 4 to 1 margin. Again. Just like we did 4 years ago. At some point, you have to wonder whether the message is getting through. You would think they might find another candidate at some point… But I’ll leave that to others,” he said.
Moulding thanked those who worked on his campaign.
“First and foremost, thank you, Jefferson County. To everyone who supported our campaign, stood up for our office, put up signs, shared our message, encouraged your neighbors, volunteered, and turned out to vote: this victory belongs to you. I am genuinely grateful for the confidence you’ve placed in me once again,” he said.
Moulding said he was proud of how his campaign conducted itself.
“I am particularly proud of the campaign we ran. We kept our message open, focused on our record, our experience, and our commitment to this community. We welcomed public discussion and stood behind our work. We made our case based on what we have accomplished and what we intend to continue accomplishing. We never needed to resort to personal attacks or tear anyone else down to make that happen,” he said.
Moulding said the campaign against him did not operate the same way.
“Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the campaign conducted against us. The level of personal vitriol and hostility directed at me and our office sank well below what should ever be expected in a local election. There is simply no place for that kind of conduct in a community where, regardless of political differences, we all have to live and work alongside one another,” he said.
He said the result affirmed his office’s record.
“But tonight, the voters had their say, and they said it decisively. I take particular satisfaction in knowing that we ran a campaign we can be proud of and that Jefferson County responded with such an overwhelming show of confidence. Personal grievances and political maneuvering are no substitute for a record of service, experience, and a commitment to the people you represent,” Moulding said.
Moulding also offered congratulations to new Iowa Governor Rob Sand, U.S. Rep. Christina Bohannan, and Abbie Liechty, who was elected Henry County Attorney.
“On a more positive note, congratulations to our new Governor Sands, Congresswoman Bohannan, and a special shout out to Abbie Liechty on her election as Henry County Attorney (and Ed’s new boss). I know Abbie and trust that she will lead that office in a positive new direction. I wish her success in her new role and hope everyone involved finds a positive path forward,” he said.
Moulding closed his statement by saying he looks forward to continuing to serve Jefferson County.
“As for me, I have a job to get back to. Thank you, Jefferson County. It is an honor to serve you, and I look forward to continuing to fight for the people of this community,” he said.
For more unofficial results from Tuesday’s election, click here for Jefferson, Van Buren, and Keokuk counties.
