The Ballot Brief
Polk County, Iowa

Iowa House District 42

Stephenson and Tagliareni are on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Names follow official Polk County election filings.

About this race

Heather Stephenson (Republican), Amy Tagliareni (Democratic) are on the November 3 ballot for Iowa House District 42. Not on the November ballot: Heather Matson, the sitting member per the roster. Major-party nominees were chosen at the June 2 primary; No Party candidates qualify by nominating petition. The field is the Secretary of State's 2026 General Election candidate list, as read September 11, 2026. This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot.

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

Iowa › Polk County › Iowa House District 42

Heather Stephenson

Republican

Top priorities

From other published sources

  • Improving affordability through workforce development and tax relief, per AOL (Iowa House District 42 candidates)
Biography

Stephenson is a community college academic advisor and instructor at DMACC, and a training consultant for an Iowa professional development company, per the campaign site. Stephenson grew up on a farm in rural Carroll County, is a first-generation college graduate of DMACC and Iowa State University, and earlier worked in Iowa's child welfare and juvenile justice system managing budgets and contracts, per the campaign site. Stephenson serves as a board trustee of the Ankeny Kirkendall Library and manages logistics for the Ankeny Wrestling Club, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Amy Tagliareni

Democratic

Top priorities

From the campaign site

  • Says leadership starts with listening to and showing up for constituents
Biography

Amy Tagliareni is the Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 42 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's 2026 General Election candidate list. Tagliareni is a corporate engagement manager with a master's degree in sport administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, per AOL (Iowa House District 42 candidates). Tagliareni has six years of experience on the Ankeny school board, per AOL (Iowa House District 42 candidates).

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)
Next on your ballotIowa House District 43

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Voting info and more

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Questions about this race

Who is running for Iowa House District 42 in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Iowa House District 42 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Heather Stephenson and Amy Tagliareni. Candidate information follows official Polk County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

When is the Iowa House District 42 election in Iowa?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Iowa are on the Iowa election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Polk County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Polk County and state election office filings, last verified October 21, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Iowa election office, or see the full Polk County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Polk County ballot

27 tracked races in Polk County, Iowa. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
Iowa House District 44Iowa House District 45Iowa House District 46See all 27 Polk County races
Candidate profiles
Heather Stephenson, full profileAmy Tagliareni, full profileOfficial Iowa election office