With longtime State Rep. Bob Kressig announcing his retirement after 11 terms in the Iowa House, two University of Northern Iowa alumni have stepped forward to seek the open seat in House District 75, forming a competitive Democratic primary rooted in Cedar Falls.
Jared Gadson of Cedar Falls and Drew Stensland, a Cedar Falls native and former UNI student body president, both announced their candidacies in early January, each bringing an emphasis to continuing Kressig’s legacy while also offering perspectives and priorities for the district.
Gadson framed his campaign as an effort to honor Kressig’s long tenure while preparing District 75 for the future. In his announcement, he praised the retiring legislator for his consistent focus on public education and working families.
“Mr. Kressig has been a steady, principled leader who consistently put people first,” said Gadson. “His long-standing commitment to public education, working families and fairness has left a meaningful and lasting mark on District 75.”
Gadson said he is running to provide “strong, accessible leadership,” emphasizing values of honor and integrity. He plans to begin meeting with voters across the district in the coming weeks, with additional campaign details to be released later.
“Our community deserves representation that listens, works hard and leads with honor, respect and integrity,” Gadson said. “I’m running to build on the foundation Rep. Kressig leaves behind and to ensure House District 75 continues to have a strong voice at the Capitol.”
Stesland’s campaign announcement also highlighted Kressig’s influence, describing the retiring lawmaker as both a representative and personal mentor.
“Rep. Kressig is not just my representative, but my friend,” Stensland said. “I’m grateful for Bob’s service to our district and it would be an honor to carry the torch forward and continue the legacy of public service he has shown us in his time in office.”
Stensland’s background consists of local roots, campus leadership and state government experience. A graduate of Cedar Falls High School, he was involved in efforts to pass the bond that led to the construction of the community’s new high school. He earned his degree from UNI in 2019 and served as student body president during his time there.
For the past six years, Stendland has worked in the Iowa State Auditor’s Office, where he has been involved in implementing State Auditor Rob Sand’s Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) program. He said that experience has shaped his focus on transparency and restoring trust in state government.
“After a decade of corrupt insiders running our state, it’s time for change,” Stensland said. “I’ve seen friends leave Iowa, public schools struggle for funding and insiders in Des Moines demonstrate over and over that they won’t fight for us.”
Stensland cited his parents, a retired Area Education Agency educator and a Cedar Falls firefighter, as key influences on his commitment to public service. He also pointed to broader concerns about declining participation in civic leadership among young people.
“When fewer young people step into public service, nothing changes unless someone is willing to lead,” he said.
His policies include lowering costs for working Iowans, fully funding public education, strengthening UNI as an economic driver for the Cedar Valley, protecting clean drinking water and the environment and supporting seniors through affordable and accountable long-term care options.
House District 75, which includes Cedar Falls and surrounding areas in Black Hawk County, has been represented by Kressig since 2007. His retirement opens the door to a new generation of leadership, with both candidates positioning themselves as successors to his service-oriented approach while outlining different paths moving forward.
As the campaign season unfolds, voters in District 75 can expect more information from both candidates as they make their case to continue the district’s voice at the Iowa Capitol.
