Iowa court allows Grassley's likely Democrat challenger Finkenauer to remain on primary ballot

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday that GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley's likely Democrat challenger, Abby Finkenauer, can stay on the primary ballot. 

The court decision reverses one earlier this week by a lower court judge stating Finkenauer, a former congresswoman, failed to collect enough signatures to appear on the ballot. 

The party primary is in June, and Finkenauer is the presumptive frontrunner.

She was required to submit at least 3,500 signatures from "electors," including at least 100 signatures from 19 different counties. Three signatures fell into question, and according to a lower court judge, prevented her from appearing on the ballot.

The state's highest court said Friday the signatures should not have been rejected and that Iowa law had been misinterpreted by the lower court.

Grassley, a seven-term incumbent, reportedly has a double-digit lead over Finkenauer, in a hypothetical matchup.

"The Iowa Supreme Court’s unanimous decision today has affirmed that we are right on the law, and that we will be on the ballot for U.S. Senate," Finkenauer said. "This is a moment for all advocates for democracy – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – to celebrate the enduring strength of our democratic process and a reminder to never take it for granted."