Miller-Meeks knew it would be close, but not this close By Christopher Braunschweig Expand Congresswoman-elect Mariannette Miller-Meeks said the race for Iowa's Second Congressional District "feels like a never-ending campaign." (Christopher Braunschweig) Congresswoman-elect Mariannette Miller-Meeks was expecting a close race. âUltimately, we didnât think it would be this close,â Miller-Meeks told Newton News of her six-vote, state-certified win against Democratic opponent Rita Hart, who has since chosen to petition the election results to the U.S. House Committee on House Administration â much to Republicansâ dismay. âIt feels like a never-ending campaign,â Miller-Meeks continued. âOne of my children had said to me, âHow many times have you won this race now?ââ