Teresa Perin

Teresa Perin (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Iowa House of Representatives to represent District 51. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. She advanced from the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a lifelong Iowan who grew up in District 51. I raised my son in District 51. I just retired after 31 years in education, teaching both special education and English. I am also a mostly retired farmer; however, I do still have my acreage with a small herd of goats.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Public schools and an educated electorate are the foundation of our society. Iowa was once at the top of the nation in school quality. We can achieve that again by making sure public tax dollars go to public schools, making sure schools are fully funded, restoring funding to the AEAs, and focusing on academic success rather than culture war issues. We need to value our schools and teachers and education.Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and we need to implement changes that will make it regenerative and sustainable. Tariffs have taken away markets, fuel and fertilizer costs make it impossible to make money on corn and soybeans. We have to change what farmers are incentivized to grow and help them transition to crops and methods that will improve the environment--soil, air, and water--and help us stop importing 90% of our food when we have the best farmland in the world.We have to listen to our young people and make changes to keep them here. We are losing our college educated young people. We need to raise the minimum wage and work to have more affordable housing and child care. We need to recruit and maintain doctors in the state. If we want to keep our young people in the state, we have to give them a reason to stay.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about our rural communities and farming. We need to make sure we are supporting our family farms and not consolidating farm land. That takes wealth away from our communities and hollows out our rural areas.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Iowa Federation of Labor

Iowa State Education Association