The race was called for Branstad at 9:26 p.m., less than a half an hour after polls closed.
The governor is well-known and hugely popular among Republicans, an incumbent who's seeking an unprecedented sixth term and has served in the office for almost 20 of the last 32 years.
Hoefling, of Lohrville, had criticized the growth of the state budget during Branstad's current term and faulted him for not acting more decisively in opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage. His campaign was virtually non-existent, however, and was no match for Branstad's popularity within the GOP.
Branstad has ramped up fundraising efforts in recent months, but has not yet engaged fully in his reelection effort. While saying he takes every challenge seriously, the governor campaigned very little ahead of the primary, focusing instead on the recently concluded legislative session and the measures it produced.
