Erik Helland

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Erik Helland
Member of the Iowa House of Representatives
from the 69th district
In office
2009–2013
Preceded by Walt Tomenga
Succeeded by Jake Highfill
Personal details
Born (1980-05-16) May 16, 1980
Political party Republican
Residence Johnston, Iowa
Alma mater Drake University
Occupation Lawyer
Religion Lutheran
Website Campaign Website

Erik Helland (born May 16, 1980) is a lawyer and a former Republican member of the Iowa House of Representatives.[1] He represented the 69th district, which includes Grimes, Johnston, Polk City, Saylorville, Alleman, Elkhart, and parts of Sheldahl, from 2009 to 2013.[1] He was the state director for Tim Pawlenty's 2012 presidential campaign in Iowa.[2]

Early life and career

Erik Helland grew up on his family's farm.[3] He graduated from Ballard High School and then went on to earn his undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and his Juris Doctor from Drake University.[1][3] He works for a bank as a compliance officer.[1] He is a former president of the Grimes Lions club and a former board member of the Des Moines Young Variety.[3] He attends St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.[1]

Political career

Erik Helland was an Iowa field staffer for John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign.[2] In 2008, he decided to run to represent the 69th district in the Iowa House of Representatives.[1] He faced Richard Sosalla in the general election and won with 61% of the vote. He was re-elected in 2010 without opposition. He was the Midwest political director for former New York Governor George Pataki’s 21st Century Political Action Committee.[2] He was the Iowa state director for Tim Pawlenty's 2012 presidential campaign.[2] He was also the majority whip in the Iowa House of Representatives.[1] In 2012, he lost reelection in the Republican primary to Jake Highfill.[4]

Committee assignments

  • Administration and Rules
  • Legislative Council
  • Local Government
  • State Government
  • Ways and Means

Electoral history

2012 Republican Primary for Iowa’s 69th House of Representatives District
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Jake Highfill 622 52.1
Republican Erik Helland 572 47.9
2010 General Election for Iowa’s 69th House of Representatives District
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Erik Helland 14,681 100.0
2008 General Election for Iowa’s 69th House of Representatives District
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican Erik Helland 14,228 61.0
Democratic Richard Sosalla 9,111 39.0

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Biography". Iowa House Republicans. 1980-05-16. Retrieved 2011-11-28. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Team Pawlenty (2011-06-16). "Press Release - Governor Pawlenty Unveils Iowa Staff | Pawlenty 2012". Timpawlenty.com. Retrieved 2011-11-28. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Erik Helland". Erik Helland. Retrieved 2011-11-28. 
  4. ↑ http://electionresults.sos.iowa.gov/default.aspx?eid=22

External links

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