Eric Gjerde is a Democrat representing Iowa House District 74, which includes parts of Marion and Cedar Rapids. He was re-elected in November 2024 and is running in the 2026 primary. A dedicated public servant, he has taught special education for 14 years at Thomas Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, served as a patrol officer for the Cedar Rapids Police Department for three years, and volunteered as an EMT. He serves on the House Agriculture Committee and House Committee on Ways and Means. Gjerde is a father to three daughters and grew up in a rural community as the son of a military veteran.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned two Master's degrees from the University of Iowa in Secondary Education and Educational Administration; Doctorate in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies from the University of Northern Iowa .
• Political Experience: Elected to Iowa House District 74; re-elected in 2024. Served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of the Quad Cities while a graduate student.