Democrat Rita Hart abandons challenge of GOP Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks six-vote win

Rita Hart, the Democrat who was defeated by just six votes in an Iowa election contest, is abandoning her challenge to Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks' slim win in the election for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"After many conversations with people I trust about the future of this contest, I have made the decision to withdraw my contest before the House Committee on Administration," Hart said in a statement.

"Despite our best efforts to have every vote counted, the reality is that the toxic campaign of political disinformation to attack this constitutional review of the closest congressional contest in 100 years has effectively silenced the voices of Iowans. It is a stain on our democracy that the truth has not prevailed and my hope for the future is a return to decency and civility."