Calvin Horn. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

AREA – The upcoming Tuesday, June 2 primary election for Iowa House District 76 will be a straightforward contest with only one candidate filing in each of the major-party races.

House District 76 encompasses the townships of Clark, Perry, Geneseo, and Buckingham in northeast Tama County – including Dysart and Traer – as well as three rural townships in northwest Benton County plus the Black Hawk County areas surrounding and including Hudson, La Porte City, Gilbertville, Evansdale, and Elk Run Heights. The urban-rural district also includes much of Cedar Falls proper.

Republican incumbent Derek Wulf, a farmer and rancher hailing from rural Hudson, was first elected to the seat following the November 2022 general election. In 2024, he faced Democratic challenger Jarred Johnston of Dysart who, prior to the election that fall, appeared to vacate the district – selling his Dysart home in August and moving to Appanoose County.

Wulf has also faced scrutiny over residency. An investigation carried out by KCRG-TV9 ahead of the 2022 general election found that while Wulf was registered to vote in House District 76, he held the deed to a property in neighboring House District 54 – a property eligible for Iowa’s Homestead Tax Credit which is designed to lower the annual property taxes on a primary residence. At the time of the 2022 reporting, KCRG concluded Iowa’s residency law for Iowa Assembly candidates was “virtually unenforceable because nobody is checking to ensure candidates live in their district.”

According to Black Hawk County online real estate records, Wulf’s family farm on Holmes Road in Lincoln Township again qualified for the homestead tax credit in 2024 (taxes payable 2025-2026). The farm’s address lies just west of the House District 76 boundary inside Republican state Rep. Joshua Meggers’ district (HD 54).

To the best of the newspaper’s knowledge, residency does not appear to be an issue for newcomer Calvin Horn, the Democrat running unopposed in the upcoming House District 76 primary. According to online real estate records, Horn’s residence in Elk Run Heights qualified for both the Iowa Homestead Tax Credit and the enhanced exemption for those aged 65 or older in 2024. The address is located about one mile inside the boundaries of HD 76.

Ahead of the June primary election, the newspaper sent brief questionnaires to both Horn and Wulf. Only Horn responded to the request. His answers are printed in full below.

Calvin Horn, Democratic candidate for House District 76

Calvin Horn, 68, was born and raised in Cedar Falls and has been a resident of nearby Elk Run Heights since 1999. His family includes his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. He graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1976. After high school, Horn spent roughly four years at the University of Northern Iowa as an undeclared major studying the STEM disciplines – science, technology, engineering, and math. He is retired from residential rental property management. “Maybe 76 is my lucky number,” Horn told the newspaper via email. “America is celebrating its 250th birthday (1776), this year is my 50th class reunion (1976), and I’m running for Iowa House District 76.”

1. Why are you running for the Iowa Legislature? (What motivated your candidacy at this time?)

Over the past several years I have become more and more distressed over the direction our nation and state have taken. Increasingly we seem to live in an “all about me” world with no empathy for others. We don’t believe in Science, we don’t believe in truth or fact, unless it’s in our personal best interest. Justice is a weapon. Reasoned discussion seems to be a thing of the past. There’s so much hate.

2. Have you previously run for or held elected office? If so, please describe.

No.

3. What connections do you have to communities across the district, particularly northeast Tama County?

My memories connect to places. My mother’s parents came from the Toledo area. I remember a family reunion in (Taylor) Park on top of the hill in Traer. There was another at the log cabin between Traer and Gladbrook. I don’t know why, but I still think that place is cool. Sometimes we would stop for ice cream at a place just to the east of Highway 63 in Traer. More recently, my wife and I have visited Irvine Prairie a couple times.

4. What values or priorities led you to affiliate with the Democratic/Republican Party?

I chose the Democratic Party because I believe everyone should have the same rights as me, and that people are basically good. Policy should be based on scientific evidence and known facts.

5. What are your top two or three priorities if elected?

A. Education: Education is the key to success. An educated society benefits us all. Any entity receiving public money should be accountable to the public for how those funds are spent.

B. Environment: We must protect our land, water, air and natural resources.

C. Fiscal Responsibility: Public funds must always be used wisely and in a sustainable manner.

6. What issues are you hearing most from voters in District 76 currently?

Probably water quality and education.

7. Please list any upcoming campaign events or opportunities for voters to meet you ahead of the June primary.

Other than a small gathering at the home of a local supporter, my events calendar is open. I welcome the opportunity to speak with small groups, clubs or organizations. My contact information is on my website at calvinhornforhd76.com.

June 2 primary election

Primaries will be held for the Democrat and Republican parties on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters must declare a party to participate in the primary election. Early voting is already underway. In-person absentee voting began Wednesday, May 13 and will end on Monday, June 1 at 4:30 p.m. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail has already passed. Absentee ballots must be received by the close of the polls on Election Day at 8 p.m. to be counted.