State Representative District 43 in Iowa State House District 43, Iowa

2026 Primary Election

• Nicole Hasso — Financial Services Professional in Johnston, IA

  Nicole Hasso is a Republican candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives, District 43, in the June 2, 2026 primary election. Her professional background includes financial services at Principal Financial Group, with studies in accounting and finance at Drake and Iowa State Universities. Hasso's personal story recounts overcoming poverty in Chicago, being the first in her family to graduate high school and earn a scholarship. A wife and mother, she identifies as a conservative Christian. Her policy priorities include protecting property rights, growing the workforce, championing small businesses and farmers, and providing property tax relief. She also emphasizes tackling inflation and securing the border, aiming to apply common sense and business principles to governance.

• Brett Nelson — Annuity Specialist - Freelance | Independent Contractor in Des Moines, IA

  Brett Nelson, a Republican, is campaigning for the Iowa House of Representatives District 43 primary on June 2, 2026. Previously, he ran for state legislative seats multiple times as an independent, including for Iowa Senate in 2014, where he highlighted water quality as a key issue. An independent contractor specializing in annuities, Nelson was born in Iowa City in 1962, grew up in West Des Moines, and lives in Saylor Township. He holds a political science degree from the University of Iowa. His extensive civic involvement includes Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, and the YMCA. He has not yet completed a 2026 candidate survey.

• Russell E. Saffell — Executive and Economist in IA

  Russell "Doc" Saffell, a Republican candidate for Iowa House District 43, is a combat veteran who served in the U.S. Navy (1999-2004). He holds a bachelor's, graduate degree, and a Ph.D., with a career spanning executive and economic roles, including a Veterans Fellow stint for Sen. Chuck Grassley. Saffell champions safe communities, strong law enforcement, and action against human trafficking. He advocates for free-market principles, reduced regulations, and a diversified economy that supports agriculture and business innovation. Guided by a Christian worldview and belief in limited government, he seeks to restore common sense, protect individual rights, and ensure a prosperous Iowa for future generations.

• Jill Alesch — Assistant Director - Contracts at Principal Life Insurance Company in Johnston, IA

  Jill Alesch, a Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 43, is a veteran lawyer and mother. She retired from the Iowa Army National Guard in 2020 after 22 years, which included a deployment to Afghanistan where she earned a Bronze Star Medal. An Iowa native, Alesch previously prosecuted violent crimes for the Department of Justice. She currently works at Principal Life Insurance Company and resides in Johnston with her two children. Endorsed by VoteVets, she is running to bring courageous leadership to the Iowa House, advocating for fully funding public education and making the state more affordable. She aims to replace extremism with common-sense solutions and halt Iowa's perceived backward slide.