Elections were held in 25 of the state senate's 50 districts.
The general election took place on October 11, 1881.
[1] Following the previous election, Republicans had control of the Iowa Senate with 41 seats to Democrats' seven seats and two Greenbackers.
To claim control of the chamber from Republicans, the Democrats needed to net 19 Senate seats.
Republicans maintained control of the Iowa State Senate following the 1881 general election with the balance of power shifting to Republicans holding 45 seats, Democrats having two seats, two Greenbackers, and one Independent (a net gain of 4 seats for Republicans and 1 Independent seat).