A special education teacher from Iowa is running against an abortion ban supporter
Meet Dr. Eric Gjerde, candidate for Iowa’s State House
The context:
Ashley Hinson, an Iowa State representative, won her election in 2016 by running as a moderate Republican. But just last week, Hinson stunned her constituents by voting for the most restrictive abortion ban in the country. The ban prevents any woman from having an abortion if a “fetal heartbeat” is detected, effectively barring many women from the procedure before they even realize they’re pregnant.
Eric Gjerde, a special education teacher with a doctorate in educational policy and leadership, is running as a pro-women’s healthcare, pro-education, and pro-union alternative to Hinson in his Cedar Rapids district. His focus is on restoring funding for education, investing in disadvantaged teens, and strengthening working-class unions across the state.
From Eric Gjerde:
“I grew up in a rural Midwestern town, with a strong public-school system that was the heart of my community. As the son of union member, I witnessed the impact of labor unions on families and communities first hand. After the Republican Majority in the State of Iowa gutted a 40-year-old bipartisan law governing public sector collective bargaining, I have been working with local unions to fight this destructive legislation.
“If we are going to fight for our most vulnerable citizens, the middle and lower classes, students, hardworking Iowans, and labor, we must take back our state government. That voice starts with your endorsement. I know we can do it. I look forward to your support and if you live in Iowa House District 67, your vote. Let’s work together to improve the lives of all Iowans!”
