State Representative District 46 in Iowa State House District 46, Iowa

2026 Primary Election

• Dan Gehlbach — Incumbent State Representative in Urbandale, IA

  Dan Gehlbach is an incumbent Republican State Representative for Iowa's 46th district, having served since January 2023. Born in Des Moines and raised in Urbandale, he holds a B.S. from the University of Kansas and an M.B.A. from Arizona State University. His career spans business ownership, auditing, and teaching, complemented by community service. Gehlbach is running for re-election in the Republican primary on June 2, 2026. He champions conservative policies, including English-only driver's license tests, restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and protections for medical practitioners' conscience. He also supports a constitutional supermajority for state income tax changes.

• Anne Michelle Craven — Finance professional in IA

  Anne Michelle Craven is a candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives, District 46, in the 2026 primary election. As a bisexual woman and proud member of the LGBTQA community, she advocates strongly for civil rights, believing that everyone should be able to live authentically and that legislative efforts should support youth rather than create difficulties. Craven is committed to ensuring public funds remain in public schools, providing adequate resources for students, teachers, and administrators, rather than being diverted to private institutions. She graduated from Dowling Catholic High School and earned an associate degree from Des Moines Area Community College in 2012, and has a career background in finance.

• Erin Helleso — Social worker in IA

  Erin Helleso, a social worker, is a Democratic candidate for Iowa House of Representatives District 46. She earned a high school diploma from West Marshall High School and a graduate degree from Arizona State University. Helleso is campaigning for government accountability, improving healthcare, and funding public schools. Her policy stances include eliminating unfair practices in Iowa’s court systems, protecting children and survivors of domestic violence, reforming Medicaid and private insurance, addressing the state’s cancer crisis, and reinforcing skilled trades and community colleges. She will compete in the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.

• Mandy Newton Rosenow — Physician Assistant in Urbandale, IA

  Mandy Newton Rosenow is a physician assistant and an Urbandale native, holding a high school diploma from Sioux City North High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa, and a graduate degree from Des Moines University. As a Democrat, she is seeking election to the Iowa House of Representatives for District 46 in 2026. Her campaign is centered on building a stronger, more affordable, healthy, and welcoming Iowa where families choose to live and thrive. Key priorities include investing in public education, making the state more affordable, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare, and addressing Iowa's rising cancer rates and water quality concerns.