Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith is a candidate for State Representative District 72 Primary Election in 2026 in Iowa State House District 72, Iowa.

Incumbent State Representative in Dubuque, IA

Also running: Eli Gordon Licht, Matt Robinson.

Jennifer Smith is an educator and politician serving as an Iowa House Representative for District 72, having assumed office in January 2025. Born in Madison, WI, she holds multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. from Northern Illinois University, and is married to John Kielty. She is seeking re-election in the 2026 Iowa Primary Election. Smith champions strong support for law enforcement and first responders. Her policy stances advocate for returning education to fundamental skills like reading, writing, and mathematics, while defending parental rights in schooling and medical decisions. She also focuses on protecting and strengthening families, and encouraging adoption. In April 2026, photos surfaced alleging her campaign used legislative pages to stuff mailers.