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About the office

Iowa House members help write and vote on state laws as part of the General Assembly; the House has 100 members, one from each House district.

Term: 2 years.

Pay: $25,000 annual salary, plus a daily allowance during the legislative session and a monthly expense allowance (Iowa Code 2.10).

Photo of Tracy Ehlert

Tracy Ehlert

State Representative District 79
Democratic★ Incumbent
Photo: source

Surveillance & privacy Anti-Flock

Wants strong statewide rules on who can access ALPR data and how it is stored and used.

  • SAID
    In a KCRG Q&A, she said if license plate readers keep being used, Iowa needs strong statewide regulations on who can access the data, how it is stored and how it is used, to prevent misuse.newsKCRG · Oct. 2, 2026

Quick facts

  • Office: State Representative District 79
  • Incumbent: Yes
  • Opponent: R Barclay Woerner (Republican)
  • Raised this cycle: $28,666; all years on file: $89,037
  • Votes on file: 8

At a glance

$28,666Raised (cycle)
$10,248Spent (cycle)
110Contributions
$56,692From PACs
$14,216From party
Oct. 14, 2026Latest filing

Recent statement

Her campaign site says she wants every Iowan to have access to affordable, accessible and equitable health care.

Biography

The race

  • Tracy Ehlert is the Democratic candidate for State Representative District 79 in the Nov. 3, 2026, Linn County general election.
  • They currently hold the office.
  • Also on the ballot for this office: Barclay Woerner (Republican).

Sources: Linn County Election Services candidate list

Background

  • Her campaign Facebook page identifies her as an Iowa legislator since 2019 and describes her as an award-winning early childhood educator, small business owner, and triple-negative breast cancer survivor.

Sources: Facebook

Record in office

  • The Iowa Legislature lists her as the Democratic State Representative for District 79.
  • The Iowa Legislature lists her as serving on the Early Childhood Iowa State Board.
  • Was absent for the final House vote on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed 62-22 on 2026-05-02.
  • Ehlert was the Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 70 in the 2018 election.
Show 6 more
  • Ballotpedia says she advanced from the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.
  • Her Facebook page describes her as an Iowa legislator since 2019 representing part of the west side of Cedar Rapids.
  • Her campaign Facebook page links to its Instagram account (repehlert) and YouTube channel (reptracyehlert).
  • 8 roll-call votes on bills HF 2104, HF 2788, HF 639, SF 167, SF 2201, SF 2263, SF 2422 and SF 472 are on file (listed under Record in office).
  • The Iowa Legislature's BillBook lists 78 bills sponsored or floor-managed (listed by issue under Record in office).
  • Iowa Legislature: Iowa Legislature member page (House District 79).

Sources: Iowa Legislature; Iowa Legislature; The Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive); Ballotpedia; Facebook; Facebook; Iowa Ledger; Iowa Legislature (BillBook)

Positions & statements

  • In a KCRG Q&A, she said if license plate readers keep being used, Iowa needs strong statewide regulations on who can access the data, how it is stored and how it is used, to prevent misuse.
  • Her campaign site says she wants every Iowan to have access to affordable, accessible and equitable health care.
  • Her campaign site says education at all levels, cradle to career, must be fully funded.
  • Her campaign site says the state should be mindful of tax breaks to out-of-state corporations.
Show 2 more
  • Said statewide regulations for data centers would be smart, including rules that protect the environment and Iowans and ensure corporations pay their share rather than passing financial burdens to taxpayers.
  • Said private schools receiving vouchers lack transparency and should be held accountable in the same ways as public schools.

Sources: KCRG; Tracy Ehlert for Iowa House; The Gazette

Campaign money

  • Tracy Ehlert's campaign committee is Tracy Ehlert for Iowa House (IECDB id 2367).
  • The committee has reported $89,037.27 in contributions across 494 contributions in filings through Oct. 14, 2026, $28,666.19 of it since Jan. 1, 2025.
  • The largest individual donors include Doug & Cheryl Cook ($2,384.56), David Maier ($826.67), McKinley Bailey ($805.00), Jourdan Winters ($600.00), City of Cedar Rapids (Ellis Golf Course Clubhouse) ($500.00), John Nichols ($500.00), Cindy Garlock ($466.67), Daniel Heiken ($450.00), Elizabeth Slappey ($375.00), Kirsten Running Marquardt ($360.00).
  • PAC and other committee contributions total $56,692.43, led by Associated General Contractors of Iowa PAC, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC IBEW, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 125 Political Education Fund, Cedar Rapids Trades Council CR IC Building Trades PAC, Credit Union PAC, Heavy Highway Political Action Committee, Iowa Health PAC, ITC Holdings Corp PAC, #SCPA50264 Cedar Rapids Development Group PAC, Alliant Energy Employees' Iowa PAC.
Show 3 more
  • Party committee contributions total $14,215.58, led by Iowa Democratic Party, Linn County Democratic Central Committee, SECOND DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATIC IOWA.
  • Reported expenditures total $58,235.47 across 304 payments, $10,248.18 of it since Jan. 1, 2025.
  • The largest outside payees include Iowa Democratic Party ($30,886.00), Adcraft ($6,374.66), Iowa House Truman Fund ($3,000.00), HyVee Drugstore ($2,389.23), West Station Post Office ($2,073.45), Cedar Rapids Gazette ($1,989.39), ESP3 LLC ($1,694.85), Hy-Vee Drugstore ($968.71), NCSL: National Conference of State Legislatures ($895.00), Wix ($742.72).

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

In the news

  • KCRG published a candidate Q&A with Tracy Ehlert, the Democratic incumbent for Iowa House District 79 (Linn County); she described priorities of improving water quality, addressing Iowa's high cancer rates, supporting mental health and affordable healthcare, and restoring developmentally appropriate early education.
  • The Gazette's 2026 candidate profile describes Tracy Ehlert as an award-winning early childhood educator and advocate, small business owner, and the incumbent State Representative for Iowa House District 79.

Sources: KCRG; The Gazette

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 & privacyIn a KCRG Q&A, she said if license plate readers keep being used, Iowa needs strong statewide regulations on who can access the data, how it is stored and how it is used, to prevent misuse. (KCRG, 2026-10-02)Energy & 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)YData centersSaid statewide regulations for data centers would be smart, including rules that protect the environment and Iowans and ensure corporations pay their share rather than passing financial burdens to taxpayers. (The Gazette, 2026-10-20)Property taxes & budgetWas absent for the final House vote on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed 62-22 on 2026-05-02. (Iowa Legislature, 2026-10-18)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. (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 & transparencySaid private schools receiving vouchers lack transparency and should be held accountable in the same ways as public schools. (The Gazette, 2026-10-20)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 2454: relating to the employment of temporary licensed mental health counselors by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)AbortionVoted no on HF 2788, a bill on abortion, including informed consent requirements and the dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs; it passed 58-29 on 2026-05-01. (Iowa Ledger, 2026-05-01)NSponsor or floor manager of HF 2455: relating to abortions after detection of a fetal heartbeat. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HJR 10: proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right to reproductive care. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Health careHer campaign site says she wants every Iowan to have access to affordable, accessible and equitable health care. (Tracy Ehlert for Iowa House, 2026-10-17)Voted no on SF 2422, a bill changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness plan; it passed 60-24 on 2026-04-30. (Iowa Ledger, 2026-04-30)NSponsor or floor manager of HF 607: relating to eligibility of pregnant women and infants for the Medicaid program. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 663: relating to provision of the state family planning services under the Medicaid program, and including effective date and repeal provisions. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Jobs & economySponsor 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 2267: relating to the maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year. (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 & unionsVoted 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)NSponsor or floor manager of HF 682: relating to the recapture of tax expenditures and disbursed by departments of the state to businesses that violate child labor laws. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)HousingSponsor or floor manager of HF 659: relating to housing in the state by establishing an Iowa housing tax credit program, establishing a neighborhood renovation grant program, and increasing first-time homebuyer tax incentives, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Eminent 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)GunsVoted 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 & educationHer campaign site says education at all levels, cradle to career, must be fully funded. (Tracy Ehlert for Iowa House, 2026-10-17)Said private schools receiving vouchers lack transparency and should be held accountable in the same ways as public schools. (The Gazette, 2026-10-20)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)NVoted no on SF 167, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 58-35 on 2025-02-13. (Iowa Ledger, 2025-02-13)NSponsor 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 263: relating to physical activity requirements applicable to students enrolled in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools. (Iowa Legislature (BillBook), 2026-10-18)Sponsor or floor manager of HF 333: providing for access to feminine hygiene products in public school restrooms and making an appropriation. (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)+12StatementAllegedVoted yesVoted noOther record
Surveillance & privacy1 statement
Positions

In a KCRG Q&A, she said if license plate readers keep being used, Iowa needs strong statewide regulations on who can access the data, how it is stored and how it is used, to prevent misuse.newsKCRG · Oct. 2, 2026

Record

None found.

Energy & power plants2 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

Data centers1 statement
Positions

Said statewide regulations for data centers would be smart, including rules that protect the environment and Iowans and ensure corporations pay their share rather than passing financial burdens to taxpayers.newsThe Gazette · Oct. 20, 2026

Record

None found.

Property taxes & budget3 other records
Positions

None found.

Record

Was absent for the final House vote on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed 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 & transparency1 statement
Positions

Said private schools receiving vouchers lack transparency and should be held accountable in the same ways as public schools.newsThe Gazette · Oct. 20, 2026

Record

None found.

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 2454: relating to the employment of temporary licensed mental health counselors by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Abortion1 vote N · 2 other records
Positions

None found.

Record

Voted no on HF 2788, a bill on abortion, including informed consent requirements and the dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs; it passed 58-29 on 2026-05-01.newsIowa Ledger · May 1, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2455: relating to abortions after detection of a fetal heartbeat.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HJR 10: proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right to reproductive care.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Health care1 statement1 vote N · 2 other records
Positions

Her campaign site says she wants every Iowan to have access to affordable, accessible and equitable health care.campaignTracy Ehlert for Iowa House · Oct. 17, 2026

Record

Voted no on SF 2422, a bill changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness plan; it passed 60-24 on 2026-04-30.newsIowa Ledger · April 30, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 607: relating to eligibility of pregnant women and infants for the Medicaid program.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 663: relating to provision of the state family planning services under the Medicaid program, and including effective date and repeal provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Jobs & economy4 other records
Positions

None found.

Record

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 2267: relating to the maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year.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 vote N · 1 other record
Positions

None found.

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

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 682: relating to the recapture of tax expenditures and disbursed by departments of the state to businesses that violate child labor laws.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Housing1 other record
Positions

None found.

Record

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 659: relating to housing in the state by establishing an Iowa housing tax credit program, establishing a neighborhood renovation grant program, and increasing first-time homebuyer tax incentives, and including effective date and applicability provisions.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 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

Guns1 vote N
Positions

None found.

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 & education2 statements2 votes NN · 17 other records
Positions

Her campaign site says education at all levels, cradle to career, must be fully funded.campaignTracy Ehlert for Iowa House · Oct. 17, 2026

Said private schools receiving vouchers lack transparency and should be held accountable in the same ways as public schools.newsThe Gazette · Oct. 20, 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

Voted no on SF 167, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 58-35 on 2025-02-13.newsIowa Ledger · Feb. 13, 2025

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 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

Show 15 more

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 263: relating to physical activity requirements applicable to students enrolled in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 333: providing for access to feminine hygiene products in public school restrooms and making an appropriation.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 914: relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, the department of education, and area education agency funding, and including effective date and applicability provisions.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 2152: repealing the school tuition organization tax credit available against the individual and corporate income taxes and including effective date 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 2453: relating to school district general fund flexibility accounts by expanding eligible uses to include costs to expand preschool programs.officialIowa Legislature (BillBook) · Oct. 18, 2026

Sponsor or floor manager of HF 2454: relating to the employment of temporary licensed mental health counselors by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.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 2632: relating to bond election requirements applicable to school districts.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 HF 2737: relating to the education savings account program, including modifying eligibility provisions, providing a future repeal date, 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 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 HF 2788, a bill on abortion, including informed consent requirements and the dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs; it passed 58-29 on 2026-05-01.Abortion · Iowa Ledger · May 1, 2026
  • NO
    Voted no on SF 2422, a bill changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness plan; it passed 60-24 on 2026-04-30.Health care · Iowa Ledger · April 30, 2026
  • 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
  • NO
    Voted no on SF 167, a bill setting a 2% growth rate in state school funding; it passed 58-35 on 2025-02-13.Schools & education · Iowa Ledger · Feb. 13, 2025

The race

State Representative District 79General election · Nov. 3, 2026
  • Photo of Tracy EhlertTracy EhlertDemocratic · ★ IncumbentThis profile
  • Barclay WoernerRepublican
Source: Linn County Election Services candidate list · Oct. 7, 2026
  • Ballotpedia says she advanced from the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.referenceBallotpedia · Oct. 17, 2026

Campaign money

Filings through Oct. 14, 2026

Contributions since Jan. 1, 2025$28,666
Contributions, all years on file$89,037
Individuals and other organizations$18,129
PACs and other committees$56,692
Party committees$14,216
Spending since Jan. 1, 2025$10,248
Spending, all years on file$58,235

Largest contributors

  • Doug & Cheryl Cook$2,385
  • David Maier$827
  • McKinley Bailey$805
  • Jourdan Winters$600
  • City of Cedar Rapids (Ellis Golf Course Clubhouse)$500
Show all 10
  • John Nichols$500
  • Cindy Garlock$467
  • Daniel Heiken$450
  • Elizabeth Slappey$375
  • Kirsten Running Marquardt$360

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

Record in office

Votes

  • No
    HF 2788 Abortion, including informed consent requirements and the dispensing of abortion-inducing drugsPassed 58-29 · May 1, 2026 · Iowa LedgerAbortion
  • No
    SF 2422 Changing public assistance programs, including Medicaid and the Iowa health and wellness planPassed 60-24 · April 30, 2026 · Iowa LedgerHealth care
  • No
    SF 472 Requiring public-sector unions to hold periodic recertification electionsPassed 56-34 · April 28, 2026 · Iowa LedgerLabor & unions
  • 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
  • Yes
    HF 639 Limiting hazardous liquid pipelines and restricting the use of eminent domainPassed 85-10 · March 26, 2025 · Iowa LedgerEnergy & power plantsEminent domain
  • No
    SF 167 Setting a 2% growth rate in state school fundingPassed 58-35 · Feb. 13, 2025 · Iowa LedgerSchools & education

Timeline

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

  1. 2026
    Was absent for the final House vote on SF 2472, a property tax reform bill capping local government levy growth at 2%; it passed 62-22 on 2026-05-02.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 18, 2026Property taxes & budget
    The Iowa Legislature lists her as the Democratic State Representative for District 79.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 17, 2026Year is the source's publication date.
    The Iowa Legislature lists her as serving on the Early Childhood Iowa State Board.officialIowa Legislature · Oct. 17, 2026Year is the source's publication date.
  2. 2018
    Ehlert was the Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 70 in the 2018 election.newsThe Gazette (Cedar Rapids Community History Archive) · Oct. 28, 2018

Undated

Bills sponsored

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

Schools & education14
  • HF 251Requiring the state board of education to publish information related to nonpublic schools that are accredited by an approved independent accrediting agency
  • HF 263Physical activity requirements applicable to students enrolled in public schools and accredited nonpublic schools
  • HF 333Providing for access to feminine hygiene products in public school restrooms
  • 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 914Education, including by modifying provisions related to the duties and powers of area education agencies, the department of education, and area education agency funding
  • HF 2151Making appropriations to the department of education for the therapeutic classroom incentive grant program
  • HF 2152Repealing the school tuition organization tax credit available against the individual and corporate income taxes
  • HF 2453School district general fund flexibility accounts by expanding eligible uses to include costs to expand preschool programs
  • 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 2632Bond election requirements applicable to school districts
  • HF 2736Modifying provisions related to area education agency funding
  • HF 2737The education savings account program, including modifying eligibility provisions, providing a future repeal date
  • HR 8To recognize Archie and Nancy Martin and the contributions of the Martin family to the education of Black students in Iowa
Jobs & economy4
  • 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 2267The maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year
  • HF 2384The maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year
Abortion2
  • HF 2455Abortions after detection of a fetal heartbeat
  • HJR 10Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right to reproductive care
Health care2
  • HF 607Eligibility of pregnant women and infants for the Medicaid program
  • HF 663Provision of the state family planning services under the Medicaid program
Mental health2
  • HF 223Mental health resources for students enrolled in public schools
  • HF 2454The employment of temporary licensed mental health counselors by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools
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
Housing1
  • HF 659Housing in the state by establishing an Iowa housing tax credit program, establishing a neighborhood renovation grant program, and increasing first-time homebuyer tax incentives
Labor & unions1
  • HF 682The recapture of tax expenditures and disbursed by departments of the state to businesses that violate child labor laws
Other bills50
  • HF 152The federal summer electronic benefits transfer for children program
  • HF 213Pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drug benefits
  • HF 214Funding of approved local preschool programs
  • HF 216Professional liability insurance and child care centers employing unsupervised child care workers under eighteen years of age
  • HF 217Prior authorization requirements for the treatment of cancer
  • HF 218To designate March 3 of each year as Triple Negative Breast Cancer Action and Awareness Day
  • HF 275Modifying provisions related to the enrollment of eligible children in the statewide preschool program
  • HF 283Increasing the state minimum hourly wage and providing for subsequent increases by the same percentage as the increase in federal social security benefits
  • HF 324Domestic abuse threat evaluation and deterrence
  • HF 341State child care assistance payments
  • HF 342State child care assistance for children of certain child care personnel
  • HF 343The reimbursement of child care providers from the child care assistance program
  • HF 344State child care assistance reimbursement rates
  • HF 345State child care assistance family income eligibility requirements
  • HF 410State child care assistance program reimbursements to certain child care providers
  • HF 411State child care assistance program copayments for unhoused persons
  • HF 412Unhoused persons participating in the state child care assistance program
  • HF 460Play-based learning in preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten.(See HF 2652 .)
  • HF 605The prescribing and dispensing of self-administered hormonal contraceptives
  • HF 662Appropriating moneys to the department of health and human services for refugee resettlement assistance
  • HF 671Eligible parties to a valid marriage
  • HF 672Mandatory subjects of negotiation for public employee collective bargaining
  • HF 673Requiring certain weekly workers’ compensation benefits to be calculated by including an employee’s overtime and premium pay, and to include an annual cost-of-living adjustment
  • HF 675Requiring employers to provide employees with meal periods and rest periods
  • HF 676Requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees based on pregnancy or childbirth
  • HF 681Establishing a wage and hour division in the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing
  • HF 684The purchase of steel by state agencies
  • HF 685State agency contracts involving steel
  • HF 687Projects involving state moneys or tax credits
  • HF 688Products and materials purchased by state agencies
  • HF 727The maximum finance charge on a consumer credit sale
  • HF 740Rent increases under residential landlord and tenant rental agreements and in manufactured home communities and mobile home parks
  • HF 2083Requiring the department of health and human services to pay for child care provided to a foster child participating in the state child care assistance program at the same rate as child care provided to a child with special needs
  • HF 2107Appropriating moneys to the department of health and human services for the statewide child care solutions fund program
  • HF 2259An insurer’s use of credit information for a motor vehicle financial liability coverage policy
  • 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 2394Creating a food bank donation matching fund
  • HF 2421Funding of supplemental nutrition assistance program assistance benefits
  • HF 2663Cancer research
  • HF 2665Radon mitigation requirements and tax credits
  • HF 2729Establishing a temporary prohibition on an increase in rates or charges by gas and electric public utilities
  • HF 2740The confidentiality of certain information filed with the secretary of state by foreign persons holding agricultural land
  • HJR 5Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to citizen initiatives to amend the Constitution of the State of Iowa and the Iowa Code and referendums to approve certain bills passed by the general assembly
  • 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

Positions & statements

5 statements are grouped above under Surveillance & privacy, Data centers, Government efficiency & transparency, Health care, Schools & education. Also said:

  • Her campaign site says the state should be mindful of tax breaks to out-of-state corporations.campaignTracy Ehlert for Iowa House · Oct. 17, 2026

Background

  • Her Facebook page describes her as an Iowa legislator since 2019 representing part of the west side of Cedar Rapids.Facebook · Oct. 17, 2026
  • Facebook · Oct. 17, 2026
    • Her campaign Facebook page identifies her as an Iowa legislator since 2019 and describes her as an award-winning early childhood educator, small business owner, and triple-negative breast cancer survivor.
    • Her campaign Facebook page links to its Instagram account (repehlert) and YouTube channel (reptracyehlert).

In the news

  • KCRG published a candidate Q&A with Tracy Ehlert, the Democratic incumbent for Iowa House District 79 (Linn County); she described priorities of improving water quality, addressing Iowa's high cancer rates, supporting mental health and affordable healthcare, and restoring developmentally appropriate early education.newsKCRG · Oct. 2, 2026
  • The Gazette's 2026 candidate profile describes Tracy Ehlert as an award-winning early childhood educator and advocate, small business owner, and the incumbent State Representative for Iowa House District 79.newsThe Gazette · Oct. 18, 2026
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