State Representative District 17 in Iowa State House District 17, Iowa

2026 Primary Election

• Shaun Kelley — Retired locomotive engineer and farmer in Afton, IA

  Shaun Kelley, a Republican, is seeking election to the Iowa House of Representatives, District 17, in the 2026 primary. Born in Creston, Iowa, Kelley brings a background as a retired locomotive engineer for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, a farmer, a carpenter, and a real estate professional. He is running as a challenger in the Republican primary. Kelley has expressed skepticism regarding recent property tax reform efforts, believing the legislation contains loopholes that will prevent it from effectively capping tax growth and impacting taxpayers.

• Devon Wood — Incumbent State Representative in New Market, IA

  Devon Wood is the incumbent Republican State Representative for Iowa's District 17, having assumed office in January 2023. She is running for re-election in the 2026 primary. A 2015 graduate of Shenandoah High School and Simpson College, Wood chaired the Iowa Federation of College Republicans and Simpson College Republicans. She previously clerked in the Iowa House for Representatives Clel Baudler and Mary Ann Hanusa. Wood grew up working on her family's farm and livestock auction business, experience she cites as crucial for understanding agricultural and business communities. She supports the Iowa Legislature's 3.9% flat tax rate and advocates for more tax relief for Iowans. She currently serves on the Iowa Nursing Home Administrators Board and is Vice Chair of Economic Growth and Technology, and Chair of Natural Resources committees in the Iowa House.