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Photo of Eric Gjerde

Eric Gjerde

State Representative District 74
Democratic★ IncumbentUnopposed
Photo: source

Surveillance & privacy Pro-Flock

Voted no on SF 2284 (ALPR restrictions), the only Democrat to do so.

  • NO
    Voted no on SF 2284, a bill placing restrictions on automatic license plate readers; a Cedar Rapids police officer, he was the only Democrat to vote against it.newsThe Gazette · April 16, 2026

Quick facts

  • Office: State Representative District 74
  • Incumbent: Yes
  • Opponents: None — runs unopposed
  • Raised this cycle: $4,082; all years on file: $1,199,714
  • Votes on file: 10

At a glance

$4,082Raised (cycle)
$8,365Spent (cycle)
48Contributions
$280,027From PACs
$594,385From party
July 10, 2026Latest filing

Recent statement

His campaign priorities page says education decisions should be guided by students, parents and educators rather than out-of-state interests and lobbyists.

Biography

The race

  • Eric Gjerde is the Democratic candidate for State Representative District 74 in the Nov. 3, 2026, Linn County general election.
  • They currently hold the office.
  • They run unopposed — no other candidate filed for this office, so they win this race.

Sources: Linn County Election Services candidate list

Background

  • In his 2020 candidate statement Gjerde said he is a high school special educator and that he and his wife have three daughters.
  • His campaign site says he taught special education at Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids for 14 years.

Sources: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); Eric Gjerde for Iowa House

Record in office

  • The Iowa Legislature biography lists him as a Democrat who has served in the House from the 89th General Assembly (2021) through the 91st (2025).
  • The Iowa Legislature biography says he volunteers as a special deputy for the Linn County Sheriff's Office.
  • Said he and his wife teach in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, and he was the Democratic candidate in Iowa House District 67.
  • Voted no on SF 2284, a bill placing restrictions on automatic license plate readers; a Cedar Rapids police officer, he was the only Democrat to vote against it.
Show 7 more
  • In an April 22 post on his official X account he said he joined colleagues in voting for a $3 million investment in pediatric cancer research.
  • His campaign site says he has served as a Cedar Rapids Police Department patrol officer for the past four years.
  • Ballotpedia lists his 2025-2026 House committee assignments as Education, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Ways and Means.
  • His campaign Facebook page describes him as a father, police officer and Representative for Iowa House District 74.
  • 8 roll-call votes on bills HF 2104, HF 639, SF 2201, SF 2263, SF 2422, SF 2472, SF 472 and SF 607 are on file (listed under Record in office).
  • The Iowa Legislature's BillBook lists 45 bills sponsored or floor-managed (listed by issue under Record in office).
  • Iowa Legislature: Iowa Legislature member page (House District 74).

Sources: Iowa Legislature; The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); The Gazette; X; Eric Gjerde for Iowa House; Ballotpedia; Facebook; Iowa Ledger; Iowa Legislature; Iowa Legislature (BillBook); Iowa Legislature

Positions & statements

  • In an April 22 post on his official X account he said he proposed a plan to lower property taxes and make homeownership more affordable.
  • Said he would advocate for affordable healthcare, smaller class sizes, collective bargaining rights for Iowa's public workers, a livable minimum wage that local municipalities can set, and transparency in government.
  • In an April 2018 CBS 2 clip reproduced on his campaign news page, he said he supports the Second Amendment and also supports common sense gun legislation.
  • His campaign priorities page says education decisions should be guided by students, parents and educators rather than out-of-state interests and lobbyists.
Show 3 more
  • His campaign priorities page says he stands with unions in the fight to protect workers' rights.
  • His campaign priorities page says he will hold himself, fellow legislators and state employees accountable so they are transparent to Iowa taxpayers.
  • Posted an endorsement of Brent Oleson for Linn County Treasurer.

Sources: X; The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); Eric Gjerde for Iowa House; Eric Gjerde for Iowa House; Facebook

Endorsements

  • Ballotpedia lists endorsements from the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, the Iowa State Education Association and the National Education Association.

Sources: Ballotpedia

Campaign money

  • Eric Gjerde's campaign committee is Eric Gjerde For Iowa (IECDB id 2349).
  • The committee has reported $1,199,714.11 in contributions across 20718 contributions in filings through July 10, 2026, $4,082.25 of it since Jan. 1, 2025.
  • The largest individual donors include Jack and Renee Beam ($10,000.00), Karla Jurvetson ($5,000.00), Richard Vague ($5,000.00), Joseph Braverman ($3,600.00), Kevin Rowe ($3,500.00), Pedro Cervantes ($2,855.00), Renee Beam ($2,800.00), Katherine Walling ($2,774.85), Rebecca Summers Truszkowski ($2,478.06).
  • Contributions under the Gjerde name among the top donors total $4,423.89.
Show 5 more
  • PAC and other committee contributions total $280,027.27, led by The PAC for America's Future, Flippable (FED), Linn Phoenix Club, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa PAC, Cedar Rapids Trades Council CR IC Building Trades PAC, Justice For All Political Action Committee, The PAC for America's Future - PA, Great Plains Laborers' District Council Iowa PAC, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC IBEW, Credit Union PAC.
  • Party committee contributions total $594,385.00, led by Iowa Democratic Party, Linn County Democratic Central Committee, Johnson County Democratic Central Committee, Butler County Democratic Central Committee, SECOND DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATIC IOWA.
  • Reported expenditures total $546,819.86 across 270 payments, $8,364.67 of it since Jan. 1, 2025.
  • The largest outside payees include Iowa Democratic Party ($484,356.00), Adcraft Printing ($26,795.37), usps ($10,312.00), ActBlue ($9,687.68), Ourso Beychok, Inc ($2,800.00), Hy-Vee ($1,888.50), The Gazette ($1,493.76), Hawkeye Area Labor Council ($1,400.00), Carter Printing ($1,303.90).
  • Payments listed to Eric Gjerde total $3,814.21.

Sources: Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board (committees); Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board (contributions)

In the news

  • The Gazette reported in January 2022 that Gjerde was seeking a second term in the Iowa House from the new House District 74 covering parts of Cedar Rapids and Marion.
  • Ballotpedia reports that incumbent Eric Gjerde (D) advanced from the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary for Iowa House District 74.

Sources: The Gazette; Ballotpedia

Where they stand

Each mark is one sourced item from Positions & statements (left) or Record in office (right), grouped by issue. Click a mark to open its source; open an issue below to read its items.Tap an issue to see the sourced items.

STATEMENTSVOTES & RECORDSurveillance & privacyVoted no on SF 2284, a bill placing restrictions on automatic license plate readers; a Cedar Rapids police officer, he was the only Democrat to vote against it. (The Gazette, 2026-04-16)NEnergy & power plantsVoted no on HF 2104, a bill banning the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines; it passed 64-28 on 2026-01-21. (Iowa Ledger, 2026-01-21)NVoted yes on HF 639, a bill limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domain; it passed 85-10 on 2025-03-26. (Iowa Ledger, 2025-03-26)YSponsor or floor manager of HF 370: establishing a solar installation tax credit available against the individual and corporate income taxes, the moneys and credits tax, and the franchise tax, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Property taxes & budgetIn an April 22 post on his official X account he said he proposed a plan to lower property taxes and make homeownership more affordable. (X, 2026-04-22)Voted no on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed the House 62-22 on 2026-05-02. (Iowa Legislature, 2026-10-18)NSponsor or floor manager of HF 2223: relating to local and state government finances by modifying provisions relating to homestead property tax credits, providing a residential property tax rebate, modifying provisions relating to retirement systems, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2733: relating to water quality, including a water quality monitoring network and the water quality initiative, an agricultural best management practices tax credit, an Iowa clean water farm program and property tax credit, and water quality practices loans, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Government efficiency & transparencyHis campaign priorities page says he will hold himself, fellow legislators and state employees accountable so they are transparent to Iowa taxpayers. (Eric Gjerde for Iowa House, 2026-10-17)Said he would advocate for affordable healthcare, smaller class sizes, collective bargaining rights for Iowa's public workers, a livable minimum wage that local municipalities can set, and transparency in government. (The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive), 2020-10-11)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2334: relating to the suspension of a person’s driver’s license for unlawful or fraudulent uses, and including applicability provisions. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Mental healthSponsor or floor manager of HF 223: relating to mental health resources for students enrolled in public schools. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 665: relating to mental health services at public institutions of higher education. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Health careVoted no on SF 2422, a bill changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness plan; it passed 65-28 on 2026-04-21. (Iowa Ledger, 2026-04-21)NSponsor or floor manager of HF 2142: relating to limitations on activities related to paid claims under the Medicaid program, and including effective date provisions. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Jobs & economyVoted no on SF 607, a bill cutting the unemployment insurance tax paid by employers; it passed 60-27 on 2025-05-14. (Iowa Ledger, 2025-05-14)NSponsor or floor manager of HF 661: relating to child care, including the child and dependent care tax credit, a child care workforce matching grant program, a small business child care tax credit, and state child care assistance, and including applicability provisions. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2156: relating to the eligibility of certain individuals employed by educational institutions for unemployment insurance benefits between two successive academic years or terms. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2384: relating to the maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Labor & unionsHis campaign priorities page says he stands with unions in the fight to protect workers' rights. (Eric Gjerde for Iowa House, 2026-10-17)Voted no on SF 472, a bill requiring public-sector unions to hold periodic recertification elections; it passed 56-34 on 2026-04-28. (Iowa Ledger, 2026-04-28)NEminent domainVoted no on HF 2104, a bill banning the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines; it passed 64-28 on 2026-01-21. (Iowa Ledger, 2026-01-21)NVoted yes on HF 639, a bill limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domain; it passed 85-10 on 2025-03-26. (Iowa Ledger, 2025-03-26)YWater & environmentSponsor or floor manager of HF 2733: relating to water quality, including a water quality monitoring network and the water quality initiative, an agricultural best management practices tax credit, an Iowa clean water farm program and property tax credit, and water quality practices loans, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Public safetyVoted no on SF 2284, a bill placing restrictions on automatic license plate readers; a Cedar Rapids police officer, he was the only Democrat to vote against it. (The Gazette, 2026-04-16)NBallotpedia lists his 2025-2026 House committee assignments as Education, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Ways and Means. (Ballotpedia, 2026-10-17)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 232: relating to credit for accrued sick leave of public safety employees. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 490: allowing police service dogs to receive emergency veterinary medical services while on duty. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)GunsIn an April 2018 CBS 2 clip reproduced on his campaign news page, he said he supports the Second Amendment and also supports common sense gun legislation. (Eric Gjerde for Iowa House, 2018-04-08)Voted no on SF 2263, a bill on the carrying, transportation, and possession of weapons; it passed 60-26 on 2026-04-16. (Iowa Ledger, 2026-04-16)NSchools & educationHis campaign priorities page says education decisions should be guided by students, parents and educators rather than out-of-state interests and lobbyists. (Eric Gjerde for Iowa House, 2026-10-17)Voted no on SF 2201, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 58-35 on 2026-02-19. (Iowa Ledger, 2026-02-19)NBallotpedia lists his 2025-2026 House committee assignments as Education, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Ways and Means. (Ballotpedia, 2026-10-17)Said he and his wife teach in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, and he was the Democratic candidate in Iowa House District 67. (The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive), 2020-08-04)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 223: relating to mental health resources for students enrolled in public schools. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 251: requiring the state board of education to publish information related to nonpublic schools that are accredited by an approved independent accrediting agency. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 665: relating to mental health services at public institutions of higher education. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 730: requiring the director of the department of education to establish a special education weighting work group. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)+6StatementAllegedVoted yesVoted noOther record
Surveillance & privacy1 vote N
Positions

None found.

Record

Voted no on SF 2284, a bill placing restrictions on automatic license plate readers; a Cedar Rapids police officer, he was the only Democrat to vote against it.newsThe Gazette · April 16, 2026

Energy & power plants2 votes NY · 1 other record
Positions

None found.

Record

Voted no on HF 2104, a bill banning the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines; it passed 64-28 on 2026-01-21.newsIowa Ledger · Jan. 21, 2026

Voted yes on HF 639, a bill limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domain; it passed 85-10 on 2025-03-26.newsIowa Ledger · March 26, 2025

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 370: establishing a solar installation tax credit available against the individual and corporate income taxes, the moneys and credits tax, and the franchise tax, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Property taxes & budget1 statement1 vote N · 2 other records
Positions

In an April 22 post on his official X account he said he proposed a plan to lower property taxes and make homeownership more affordable.X · April 22, 2026

Record

Voted no on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed the House 62-22 on 2026-05-02.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2223: relating to local and state government finances by modifying provisions relating to homestead property tax credits, providing a residential property tax rebate, modifying provisions relating to retirement systems, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2733: relating to water quality, including a water quality monitoring network and the water quality initiative, an agricultural best management practices tax credit, an Iowa clean water farm program and property tax credit, and water quality practices loans, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Government efficiency & transparency2 statements1 other record
Positions

His campaign priorities page says he will hold himself, fellow legislators and state employees accountable so they are transparent to Iowa taxpayers.campaignEric Gjerde for Iowa House · Oct. 17, 2026

Said he would advocate for affordable healthcare, smaller class sizes, collective bargaining rights for Iowa's public workers, a livable minimum wage that local municipalities can set, and transparency in government.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · Oct. 11, 2020

Record

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2334: relating to the suspension of a person’s driver’s license for unlawful or fraudulent uses, and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Mental health2 other records
Positions

None found.

Record

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 223: relating to mental health resources for students enrolled in public schools.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 665: relating to mental health services at public institutions of higher education.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Health care1 vote N · 1 other record
Positions

None found.

Record

Voted no on SF 2422, a bill changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness plan; it passed 65-28 on 2026-04-21.newsIowa Ledger · April 21, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2142: relating to limitations on activities related to paid claims under the Medicaid program, and including effective date provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Jobs & economy1 vote N · 3 other records
Positions

None found.

Record

Voted no on SF 607, a bill cutting the unemployment insurance tax paid by employers; it passed 60-27 on 2025-05-14.newsIowa Ledger · May 14, 2025

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 661: relating to child care, including the child and dependent care tax credit, a child care workforce matching grant program, a small business child care tax credit, and state child care assistance, and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2156: relating to the eligibility of certain individuals employed by educational institutions for unemployment insurance benefits between two successive academic years or terms.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2384: relating to the maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Labor & unions1 statement1 vote N
Positions

His campaign priorities page says he stands with unions in the fight to protect workers' rights.campaignEric Gjerde for Iowa House · Oct. 17, 2026

Record

Voted no on SF 472, a bill requiring public-sector unions to hold periodic recertification elections; it passed 56-34 on 2026-04-28.newsIowa Ledger · April 28, 2026

Eminent domain2 votes NY
Positions

None found.

Record

Voted no on HF 2104, a bill banning the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines; it passed 64-28 on 2026-01-21.newsIowa Ledger · Jan. 21, 2026

Voted yes on HF 639, a bill limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domain; it passed 85-10 on 2025-03-26.newsIowa Ledger · March 26, 2025

Water & environment1 other record
Positions

None found.

Record

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2733: relating to water quality, including a water quality monitoring network and the water quality initiative, an agricultural best management practices tax credit, an Iowa clean water farm program and property tax credit, and water quality practices loans, making appropriations, and including applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Public safety1 vote N · 3 other records
Positions

None found.

Record

Voted no on SF 2284, a bill placing restrictions on automatic license plate readers; a Cedar Rapids police officer, he was the only Democrat to vote against it.newsThe Gazette · April 16, 2026

Ballotpedia lists his 2025-2026 House committee assignments as Education, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Ways and Means.referenceBallotpedia · Oct. 17, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 232: relating to credit for accrued sick leave of public safety employees.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 490: allowing police service dogs to receive emergency veterinary medical services while on duty.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Guns1 statement1 vote N
Positions

In an April 2018 CBS 2 clip reproduced on his campaign news page, he said he supports the Second Amendment and also supports common sense gun legislation.campaignEric Gjerde for Iowa House · April 8, 2018

Record

Voted no on SF 2263, a bill on the carrying, transportation, and possession of weapons; it passed 60-26 on 2026-04-16.newsIowa Ledger · April 16, 2026

Schools & education1 statement1 vote N · 12 other records
Positions

His campaign priorities page says education decisions should be guided by students, parents and educators rather than out-of-state interests and lobbyists.campaignEric Gjerde for Iowa House · Oct. 17, 2026

Record

Voted no on SF 2201, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 58-35 on 2026-02-19.newsIowa Ledger · Feb. 19, 2026

Ballotpedia lists his 2025-2026 House committee assignments as Education, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Ways and Means.referenceBallotpedia · Oct. 17, 2026

Said he and his wife teach in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, and he was the Democratic candidate in Iowa House District 67.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · Aug. 4, 2020

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 223: relating to mental health resources for students enrolled in public schools.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Show 9 more

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 251: requiring the state board of education to publish information related to nonpublic schools that are accredited by an approved independent accrediting agency.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 665: relating to mental health services at public institutions of higher education.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 730: requiring the director of the department of education to establish a special education weighting work group.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 812: requesting that the legislative council establish an interim study committee to plan an Iowa education summit to be held in 2026.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2151: making appropriations to the department of education for the therapeutic classroom incentive grant program.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2156: relating to the eligibility of certain individuals employed by educational institutions for unemployment insurance benefits between two successive academic years or terms.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2612: requiring boards of directors of school districts, the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools, and the governing boards of charter schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades six through twelve for civic or political events.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2736: modifying provisions related to area education agency funding, and including effective date and applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HR 8: to recognize Archie and Nancy Martin and the contributions of the Martin family to the education of Black students in Iowa.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Votes on file

  • NO
    Voted no on SF 2284, a bill placing restrictions on automatic license plate readers; a Cedar Rapids police officer, he was the only Democrat to vote against it.Surveillance & privacy · The Gazette · April 16, 2026
  • NO
    Voted no on HF 2104, a bill banning the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines; it passed 64-28 on 2026-01-21.Energy & power plants · Iowa Ledger · Jan. 21, 2026
  • YES
    Voted yes on HF 639, a bill limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domain; it passed 85-10 on 2025-03-26.Energy & power plants · Iowa Ledger · March 26, 2025
  • NO
    Voted no on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed the House 62-22 on 2026-05-02.Property taxes & budget · Iowa Legislature · Oct. 18, 2026
  • NO
    Voted no on SF 2422, a bill changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness plan; it passed 65-28 on 2026-04-21.Health care · Iowa Ledger · April 21, 2026
  • NO
    Voted no on SF 607, a bill cutting the unemployment insurance tax paid by employers; it passed 60-27 on 2025-05-14.Jobs & economy · Iowa Ledger · May 14, 2025
  • NO
    Voted no on SF 472, a bill requiring public-sector unions to hold periodic recertification elections; it passed 56-34 on 2026-04-28.Labor & unions · Iowa Ledger · April 28, 2026
  • NO
    Voted no on SF 2263, a bill on the carrying, transportation, and possession of weapons; it passed 60-26 on 2026-04-16.Guns · Iowa Ledger · April 16, 2026
  • NO
    Voted no on SF 2201, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 58-35 on 2026-02-19.Schools & education · Iowa Ledger · Feb. 19, 2026

The race

State Representative District 74General election · Nov. 3, 2026
  • Photo of Eric GjerdeEric GjerdeDemocratic · ★ IncumbentThis profile

Unopposed · no opponent on the ballot — this candidate will win the seat

Source: Linn County Election Services candidate list · Oct. 7, 2026
  • Ballotpedia reports that incumbent Eric Gjerde (D) advanced from the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary for Iowa House District 74.referenceBallotpedia · Oct. 17, 2026

Campaign money

Filings through July 10, 2026

Contributions since Jan. 1, 2025$4,082
Contributions, all years on file$1,199,714
Individuals and other organizations$325,302
PACs and other committees$280,027
Party committees$594,385
Spending since Jan. 1, 2025$8,365
Spending, all years on file$546,820

Largest contributors

Show all 10

Individuals and organizations other than committees, all years on file.

Record in office

Votes

  • No
    SF 2472 A property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%Passed in the House 62-22 · May 2, 2026 · Iowa LegislatureProperty taxes & budget
  • No
    SF 472 Requiring public-sector unions to hold periodic recertification electionsPassed 56-34 · April 28, 2026 · Iowa LedgerLabor & unions
  • No
    SF 2422 Changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness planPassed 65-28 · April 21, 2026 · Iowa LedgerHealth care
  • No
    SF 2263 The carrying, transportation, and possession of weaponsPassed 60-26 · April 16, 2026 · Iowa LedgerGuns
  • No
    SF 2201 Setting a 2% growth rate in state school fundingPassed 58-35 · Feb. 19, 2026 · Iowa LedgerSchools & education
  • No
    HF 2104 Banning the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelinesPassed 64-28 · Jan. 21, 2026 · Iowa LedgerEnergy & power plantsEminent domain
  • No
    SF 607 Cutting the unemployment insurance tax paid by employersPassed 60-27 · May 14, 2025 · Iowa LedgerJobs & economy
  • Yes
    HF 639 Limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domainPassed 85-10 · March 26, 2025 · Iowa LedgerEnergy & power plantsEminent domain
  • In an April 22 post on his official X account he said he joined colleagues in voting for a $3 million investment in pediatric cancer research.X · April 22, 2026
  • Voted no on SF 2284, a bill placing restrictions on automatic license plate readers; a Cedar Rapids police officer, he was the only Democrat to vote against it.newsThe Gazette · April 16, 2026Surveillance & privacyPublic safety

Timeline

Years come from the item text; a gray italic year is when the source was published.

  1. 2026
    Ballotpedia lists his 2025-2026 House committee assignments as Education, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and Ways and Means.referenceBallotpedia · Oct. 17, 2026Public safetySchools & education
  2. 2025
    The Iowa Legislature biography lists him as a Democrat who has served in the House from the 89th General Assembly (2021) through the 91st (2025).officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 17, 2026
  3. 2020
    Said he and his wife teach in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, and he was the Democratic candidate in Iowa House District 67.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · Aug. 4, 2020Schools & education

Undated

Bills sponsored

45 bills sponsored or managed on the floor. officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Schools & education7
  • HF 251Requiring the state board of education to publish information related to nonpublic schools that are accredited by an approved independent accrediting agency
  • HF 730Requiring the director of the department of education to establish a special education weighting work group
  • HF 812Requesting that the legislative council establish an interim study committee to plan an Iowa education summit to be held in 2026
  • HF 2151Making appropriations to the department of education for the therapeutic classroom incentive grant program
  • HF 2612Requiring boards of directors of school districts, the authorities in charge of accredited nonpublic schools, and the governing boards of charter schools to adopt policies related to excusing the absences of students enrolled in grades six through twelve for civic or political events
  • HF 2736Modifying provisions related to area education agency funding
  • HR 8To recognize Archie and Nancy Martin and the contributions of the Martin family to the education of Black students in Iowa
Jobs & economy3
  • HF 661Child care, including the child and dependent care tax credit, a child care workforce matching grant program, a small business child care tax credit, and state child care assistance
  • HF 2156The eligibility of certain individuals employed by educational institutions for unemployment insurance benefits between two successive academic years or terms
  • HF 2384The maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year
Mental health2
  • HF 223Mental health resources for students enrolled in public schools
  • HF 665Mental health services at public institutions of higher education
Property taxes & budget2
  • HF 2223Local and state government finances by modifying provisions relating to homestead property tax credits, providing a residential property tax rebate, modifying provisions relating to retirement systems
  • HF 2733Water quality, including a water quality monitoring network and the water quality initiative, an agricultural best management practices tax credit, an Iowa clean water farm program and property tax credit, and water quality practices loans
Public safety2
  • HF 232Credit for accrued sick leave of public safety employees
  • HF 490Allowing police service dogs to receive emergency veterinary medical services while on duty
Energy & power plants1
  • HF 370Establishing a solar installation tax credit available against the individual and corporate income taxes, the moneys and credits tax, and the franchise tax
Government efficiency & transparency1
  • HF 2334The suspension of a person’s driver’s license for unlawful or fraudulent uses
Health care1
  • HF 2142Limitations on activities related to paid claims under the Medicaid program
Other bills26
  • HF 152The federal summer electronic benefits transfer for children program
  • HF 227Providing for the conduct of licensed veterinarians when involved in certain legal matters involving the alleged mistreatment of animals, including by providing for immunity from administrative, civil, or criminal liability when acting in good faith; providing for administrative, civil, or criminal liability when not acting in good faith
  • HF 228Prostitution
  • HF 229The unauthorized placement of a global positioning device
  • HF 233The manner in which motor vehicles turn at intersections
  • HF 504Robotics, including by establishing a robotics grant program within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative and requiring the university of northern Iowa to develop a public-private partnership to support robotics competitions
  • HF 662Appropriating moneys to the department of health and human services for refugee resettlement assistance
  • HF 671Eligible parties to a valid marriage
  • HF 684The purchase of steel by state agencies
  • HF 685State agency contracts involving steel
  • HF 688Products and materials purchased by state agencies
  • HF 2364The enactment of supplemental state aid and the suspension and forfeiture of legislative pay
  • HF 2373Establishing a retirement savings plan trust
  • HF 2378Increasing the state minimum hourly wage and providing for subsequent increases by the same percentage as the increase in federal social security benefits
  • HF 2380Providing for a community-based wage enforcement program for purposes of the state wage payment collection and minimum wage laws
  • HF 2385Prohibiting the misclassification of employees as independent contractors
  • HF 2663Cancer research
  • HF 2664Increasing the tax on cigarettes and vapor products
  • HF 2665Radon mitigation requirements and tax credits
  • HF 2708Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and causing injury
  • HF 2726Testing for communicable diseases for certain persons who have committed an assault against a member of a protected occupation
  • HF 2740The confidentiality of certain information filed with the secretary of state by foreign persons holding agricultural land
  • HJR 2008Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to worker rights
  • HR 16Recognizing and commending the National Conference of State Legislatures on its fiftieth anniversary
  • HR 101Honoring Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard, Staff Sergeant Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, and their families
  • HR 112Recognizing the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Northern Iowa

Positions & statements

6 statements are grouped above under Property taxes & budget, Government efficiency & transparency, Labor & unions, Guns, Schools & education. Also said:

  • Posted an endorsement of Brent Oleson for Linn County Treasurer.Facebook · Oct. 17, 2026

Background

Years come from the item text; a gray italic year is when the source was published.

  1. 2026
    His campaign site says he taught special education at Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids for 14 years.campaignEric Gjerde for Iowa House · Oct. 17, 2026
    His campaign site says he has served as a Cedar Rapids Police Department patrol officer for the past four years.campaignEric Gjerde for Iowa House · Oct. 17, 2026
    The Iowa Legislature biography says he volunteers as a special deputy for the Linn County Sheriff's Office.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 17, 2026
    Ballotpedia lists endorsements from the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, the Iowa State Education Association and the National Education Association.referenceBallotpedia · Oct. 17, 2026
    His campaign Facebook page describes him as a father, police officer and Representative for Iowa House District 74.Facebook · Oct. 17, 2026
  2. 2020
    In his 2020 candidate statement Gjerde said he is a high school special educator and that he and his wife have three daughters.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · Oct. 11, 2020

In the news

  • The Gazette reported in January 2022 that Gjerde was seeking a second term in the Iowa House from the new House District 74 covering parts of Cedar Rapids and Marion.newsThe Gazette · Jan. 3, 2022
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