State Representative District 72 in Iowa State House District 72, Iowa

2026 Primary Election

• Jennifer Smith — Incumbent State Representative in Dubuque, IA

  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.

• Eli Gordon Licht — Educator in Dubuque, IA

  Eli Gordon Licht is a Democratic candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives, District 72, in the 2026 Primary Election. Described as an educator, family man, outdoorsman, and activist, he is committed to ensuring working families have a stronger voice in state government. Licht advocates for robust public schools, affordable living, and creating more job opportunities to keep families in Iowa. His campaign focuses on holding government accountable to taxpayers and providing common-sense leadership that addresses critical issues like education, healthcare, housing, and overall quality of life for the people of Dubuque County, aiming to bridge divides rather than serve political parties.

• Matt Robinson — Project Manager in Dubuque, IA

  Matt Robinson, a third-generation Iowan, was born and raised in Dubuque, graduating from Hempstead High School in 2011. He works as a union carpenter and construction manager, currently a project manager at Northern Winds Contractor Services. Robinson, a former Dubuque County Democrats chair, is running as a Democrat for Iowa House District 72 in 2026. His "Build A Better Iowa" campaign prioritizes working-class economics, public education, and getting money out of politics. He advocates for an $18/hour minimum wage, improved water quality, addressing Iowa's cancer crisis, and supporting restorative agriculture. He also focuses on affordable education and reducing college debt. Motivated by empathy, he aims to advocate for everyday Iowans and tackle local issues, building on his prior 2022 state senate run.