Erik Helland
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]
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 | May 16, 1980 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Johnston, Iowa |
| Alma mater | Drake University |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Website | Campaign Website |
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
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jake Highfill | 622 | 52.1 | ||
| Republican | Erik Helland | 572 | 47.9 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Erik Helland | 14,681 | 100.0 | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Erik Helland | 14,228 | 61.0 | ||
| Democratic | Richard Sosalla | 9,111 | 39.0 | ||
References
- "Biography". Iowa House Republicans. 1980-05-16. Archived from the original on 2011-10-19. Retrieved 2011-11-28.
- Team Pawlenty (2011-06-16). "Press Release - Governor Pawlenty Unveils Iowa Staff | Pawlenty 2012". Timpawlenty.com. Retrieved 2011-11-28.
- "Erik Helland". Erik Helland. Retrieved 2011-11-28.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2013-02-11. Retrieved 2013-03-01.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)