(OTTUMWA, Iowa) - It took over three weeks, but Mark Chelgren is finally a state senator.
Chelgren won a recount of the votes in Senate District 47 on Wednesday afternoon.
Election day returns had the Republican challenger 12 votes ahead of incumbent Democrat Keith Kreiman of Bloomfield.
Kreiman requested a recount of the ballots in Wapello County, and after some fits and starts it was completed late Wednesday afternoon.
After all was said and done, Kreiman picked up a vote in Wapello County, while Chelgren lost a vote.
That made the final margin 10 votes, but did not change the outcome.
Kreiman won Wapello County but was handily defeated in the District's other counties, including Davis County, where Kreiman lives.
Kreiman was not present at the recount, but Chelgren told KTVO after the recount that he was very impressed with the professionalism of the Wapello County Auditor's office.
Wednesday's result finally sets the partisan margin in the Iowa Senate. Despite losing Kreiman's seat, Democrats will maintain a 26-24 seat majority. Republicans control the House and Governor's office.
Wapello County Election Day Totals
Kreiman 5110
Chelgren 4122
Wapello County Recount Totals
Kreiman 5111
Chelgren 4121
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO