Tracy Ehlert is a Democrat representing Iowa House District 79. An award-winning early childhood educator and advocate, she owns and operates B2K Learning Center & Consulting, which provided accredited child care services for 13 years before closing that portion in 2020 due to COVID-19 and a derecho; she continues offering coaching, mentoring, training, and consulting in early care and education. She works as a continuing education instructor, a permanent building substitute in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, and a tutor for the Kids on Course program run by the Zach Johnson Foundation. Ehlert serves on key early education committees, including as chair of the Iowa AEYC Early Childhood Workforce Advisory Committee, the State Child Care Advisory Committee, and the Early Childhood Iowa State Board. Notable achievements include being named a 2019 Changemaker for Children by Save the Children, 2018 Exchange Leader by Exchange Magazine, recipient of the 2018 Leading for Change Innovative Idea Award and Chris Carman Friend of Children Award, 2015 Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's Tylenol National Child Care Teacher Award winner, December 2015 Provider of the Month by Child Care Aware of America, and one of three 2016 Michelle Obama Let's Move Initiative Child Care Innovator Award winners.

Education and Political Experience

Ehlert announced her candidacy for Iowa House District 70 in 2017 after the incumbent ran for state senate; she won unopposed in the Democratic primary and the general election, assuming office in 2019. District lines shifted to 79, and she secured re-elections in 2020, 2022, and 2024, currently serving her fourth term.