Eric Gjerde is an American politician and educator who is a member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 67th district. Elected in 2020, he assumed office on January 11, 2021.

Early life and education

Gjerde earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and religion from

Augustana College Augustana College may refer to: *Augustana College (Illinois) *Augustana University Sioux Falls, South Dakota *Augustana University College, Alberta See also *Augustana Divinity School (Neuendettelsau) The Augustana-Hochschule Neuendettelsau is ...

, a Master of Education in secondary education and another in educational administration from the University of Iowa, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Northern Iowa.

Career

After earning his first master's degree, Gjerde worked as a teacher and EMT in

Le Roy, Minnesota Le Roy is a city in Mower County, Minnesota, Mower County, Minnesota, United States, surrounded by Le Roy Township, Minnesota, Le Roy Township. The population was 929 at the 2010 United States Census, 2010 census. Lake Louise State Park is just ...

. As an EdD student, he worked as a special education teacher at Clear Creek Amana High School. He has since worked as a special education teacher and coach in the

Cedar Rapids Community School District The Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) is a public school district located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It has the second largest enrollment in the state of Iowa. The district has 21 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 3 high schools, ...

. Gjerde is a volunteer deputy with the Linn County, Iowa Sheriff's Office. In 2018, Gjerde was the Democratic nominee for district 67 in the Iowa House of Representatives, losing to

Ashley Hinson Ashley Elizabeth Hinson (born June 27, 1983) is an American politician and journalist serving as the U.S. representative for Iowa's 1st congressional district since 2021. Her district comprises much of the northeast quadrant of the state, includi ...

. After Hinson announced that she would not seek re-election to the

Iowa House The Iowa House of Representatives is the lower house of the Iowa General Assembly, the upper house being the Iowa Senate. There are 100 seats in the Iowa House of Representatives, representing 100 single-member districts across the state, form ...

and instead run for the United States House of Representatives, Gjerde declared his candidacy to succeed her. He did not face an opponent in the Democratic primary and defeated Republican nominee Sally Ann Abbott in the general election.

Personal life

Gjerde and his wife, Amy, have three daughters.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gjerde, Eric Living people Augustana College (Illinois) alumni University of Iowa alumni University of Northern Iowa alumni Educators from Iowa Democratic Party members of the Iowa House of Representatives 21st-century American politicians Year of birth missing (living people)