**Renowned Pollster J. Ann Selzer Bids Farewell to Election Polling**

Prominent pollster J. Ann Selzer has announced her decision to retire from election polling and terminate her long-standing association with the Des Moines Register, a relationship that began in 1997. This news comes just two weeks after Selzer’s firm incorrectly projected Vice President Kamala Harris as leading in the predominantly Republican state of Iowa.

In an op-ed for the Des Moines Register, Selzer revealed that over a year ago, she had informed the publication of her intent not to renew her contract, which expires in 2024, as she pivots to new ventures and opportunities. The final poll conducted by Selzer’s firm, which was released the Saturday before the election, showed Harris at 47 percent and former President Donald Trump at 44 percent, suggesting a close race in Iowa. However, unofficial results saw Trump secure a decisive victory, winning by 13 points with 56 percent to Harris's 43 percent.

Selzer expressed a desire to have made her announcement following a poll that more closely aligned with election outcomes. Despite the irony of her final poll missing the mark, she highlighted her pride in the work she had done for the Register and other major clients such as the Detroit Free Press, the Indianapolis Star, and Bloomberg News, who had been satisfied with her services.

Over the past two decades, the Iowa Poll, under Selzer’s direction, has gained a near-legendary reputation, particularly due to the state's pivotal role in the presidential nominating process. Her notable achievements include accurately predicting the order of Democratic candidates in the 2004 caucuses and foreseeing Barack Obama's significant victory in the 2008 caucuses driven by first-time caucus-goers. In 2012, Selzer was one of the few who identified Rick Santorum's late surge in the GOP caucuses, a prediction that materialized as he ultimately won.

Selzer also achieved notable success in general elections. In 2014, her final poll for the Register accurately predicted Republican Joni Ernst's 7-point lead in the Iowa Senate race, countering other polls that indicated a closer contest with Democrat Bruce Braley. Ernst went on to win by 9 points. Four years ago, Selzer forecasted comfortable leads for Trump and Ernst in their respective races, a prediction that was confirmed on election day despite other polls suggesting tighter races.

The Des Moines Register is yet to pinpoint the exact reason for the discrepancy in the 2024 poll’s results but is committed to continuing its polling efforts to provide accurate insights on issues pertinent to Iowans. Carol Hunter, the paper’s editor, acknowledged the Iowa Poll’s significant legacy role and emphasized the need to adapt and find new methods for gauging public opinion.

As Iowa remains a key battleground in the next presidential election, Selzer's departure marks the end of an era. Reflecting on her career, Selzer affirmed her dedication to truth and accuracy, valuing her integrity and the trust placed in her by clients and colleagues alike. Despite the increasing difficulty of election polling in recent years, she maintained confidence in her data and the work she conducted for her clients.