Polly Denison

Biography

The race

• Polly Denison is the Democratic candidate for State Representative District 84 in the Nov. 3, 2026, Linn County general election.
• They are not the current officeholder.
• Also on the ballot for this office: Thomas Gerhold (Republican, incumbent).

Sources: Linn County Election Services candidate list

Background

• Denison is an Iowa native who graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in political science and psychology, worked as a paralegal, and became an insurance agent in 2013; she lives in Van Horne.

Sources: Polly Denison for Iowa

Public life

• Polly Denison was the Democratic candidate for Benton County Supervisor District 3 in the November 2020 election, receiving 4,226 votes to Republican incumbent Gary Bierschenk's 9,432.
• Polly Denison is the Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 84 on the Nov. 3, 2026 general-election ballot, running against incumbent Thomas Gerhold; she advanced from the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary with 100% of 1,405 votes.
• Denison received the endorsement of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.

Sources: The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); Ballotpedia

Positions & statements

• Denison told KCRG her top priority is strengthening Iowa's public schools, including early childhood education and support for qualified teachers.
• Denison said Iowa should establish clear statewide standards for data centers while preserving local control, addressing water use, energy and grid impacts, noise, emissions, setbacks, and environmental effects.
• Denison said Iowa needs a statewide framework for automatic license plate readers that balances public safety with privacy and civil liberties.
• Denison said she would address the rising cost of living by focusing on housing, child care, health care, education, and everyday expenses.

Sources: KCRG; Polly Denison for Iowa; Facebook; Facebook

Endorsements

• Denison announced endorsements from the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund and One Iowa.

Sources: Facebook

Campaign money

• Polly Denison's campaign committee is Polly Denison for Iowa (IECDB id SWGA51296).
• The committee has reported $9,696.20 in contributions across 99 contributions in filings through Oct. 13, 2026, $9,696.20 of it since Jan. 1, 2025.
• The largest individual donors include Megan Hull ($500.00), Robert L. Huffer ($300.00), Deborah Vaughan ($275.00), Brian Beatty ($250.00), Benton County Democratic Central Committee ($200.00), Susan Benderson ($200.00), Un-itemized ($190.00), Larry M. Newman ($175.00), Amy Bevins ($100.00), Bill Crews ($100.00).
• PAC and other committee contributions total $1,350.00, led by Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 125 Political Education Fund, Cedar Rapids Trades Council CR IC Building Trades PAC, ABATEPAC (A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education).

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

In the news

• The Courier reported in January 2026 that Denison announced her candidacy for Iowa House District 84, which includes most of Benton County and parts of western Linn County.

Sources: The Courier (Waterloo)

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.

The race

• Polly Denison is the Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 84 on the Nov. 3, 2026 general-election ballot, running against incumbent Thomas Gerhold; she advanced from the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary with 100% of 1,405 votes.referenceBallotpedia · Oct. 17, 2026

Campaign money

• Campaign committee: Polly Denison for Iowa (IECDB id SWGA51296).officialIowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board (committees) · Oct. 13, 2026

Filings through Oct. 13, 2026

Largest contributors

• Megan Hull$500
• Robert L. Huffer$300
• Deborah Vaughan$275
• Brian Beatty$250
• Benton County Democratic Central Committee$200

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

Other reports

• As of mid-October 2026, Denison reported about $3,527 in cash on hand and about $9,696 raised this election cycle, compared with incumbent Gerhold's roughly $14,964 cash on hand.newsIowa Ledger · Oct. 16, 2026

Public record

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

1. 2026
   Denison received the endorsement of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.referenceBallotpedia · Oct. 17, 2026Labor & unions
   Denison announced endorsements from the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund and One Iowa.socialFacebook · Oct. 17, 2026
2. 2020
   Polly Denison was the Democratic candidate for Benton County Supervisor District 3 in the November 2020 election, receiving 4,226 votes to Republican incumbent Gary Bierschenk's 9,432.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · Nov. 4, 2020

Positions & statements

7 statements are grouped above under Surveillance & privacy, Data centers, Abortion, Health care, Jobs & economy, Housing, Public safety, Schools & education. Also said:

• Denison said she would reduce Iowa's cancer rate by investing in prevention, early detection, and access to quality cancer care, particularly in rural communities.newsKCRG · Sept. 21, 2026
• Posted that she supports Rob Sand's candidacy for governor.socialFacebook · Oct. 17, 2026

Background

• Denison is an Iowa native who graduated from the University of Iowa with a double major in political science and psychology, worked as a paralegal, and became an insurance agent in 2013; she lives in Van Horne.campaignPolly Denison for Iowa · Oct. 17, 2026

In the news

• The Courier reported in January 2026 that Denison announced her candidacy for Iowa House District 84, which includes most of Benton County and parts of western Linn County.newsThe Courier (Waterloo) · Jan. 13, 2026