Iowa State House District 56

Tue, Nov 3 · Represented by Mark Thompson Republican · Member list as of Oct 28

Kyle KruseDemocratic

Kyle Kruse 25.7Mark Thompson 74.1

Last result · 2024 generalNo published poll names both candidates.

Mark ThompsonRepublican · Incumbent4 years since first win

Last election: Mark Thompson (Republican) won by 48.4 points, 2024
On the 2026 ballot: 2 candidates

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Side by side

Left column: KruseRight column: Thompson

Donor-based spectrum: LiberalCentristConservativeThompsonNo published score for Kruse
Races: Won 0 of 1; Won 2 of 2
Years since first win: Not available; 4

How these are counted

The spectrum is a published research score, not our rating. How this works. Wins and losses count the races in our results files, the same as each profile.

More about this race

Candidates on the ballot

Kyle KruseDemocratic
Mark ThompsonIncumbentRepublican

Source: sos.iowa.gov (PDF), dated Aug 19

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Official results for Iowa

History (28 elections for this seat)

Votes for listed candidates: 15,066
Election day: November 5, 2024
District map: Older district map (2022 to 2024)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2024, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanMark ThompsonWon	Republican	11,16774.1%	74.1%
DemocraticKyle Kruse	Democratic	3,87625.7%	25.7%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	230.1%	0.1%

Votes for listed candidates: 11,320
Election day: November 8, 2022
District map: Older district map (2022)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2022, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanMark ThompsonWon	Republican	9,30982.2%	82.2%
LibertarianCharles Aldrich	Libertarian	1,98617.5%	17.5%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	250.2%	0.2%

Votes for listed candidates: 15,008
Election day: November 3, 2020
District map: Older district map (2012 to 2021)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2020, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanAnne OsmundsonWon(incumbent)	Republican	10,36969.1%	69.1%
DemocraticAngela Reed	Democratic	4,61730.8%	30.8%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	220.1%	0.1%

Votes for listed candidates: 12,226
Election day: November 6, 2018
District map: Older district map (2012 to 2021)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2018, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanAnne OsmundsonWon	Republican	7,09058.0%	58.0%
DemocraticLori Egan	Democratic	5,13642.0%	42.0%

Votes for listed candidates: 14,525
Election day: November 8, 2016
District map: Older district map (2012 to 2021)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2016, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanKristi HagerWon	Republican	7,91054.5%	54.5%
DemocraticPatti Ruff(incumbent)	Democratic	6,60545.5%	45.5%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	100.1%	0.1%

Votes for listed candidates: 11,088
Election day: November 4, 2014
District map: Older district map (2012 to 2021)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2014, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticPatti RuffWon(incumbent)	Democratic	6,18955.8%	55.8%
RepublicanLowell Engle	Republican	4,89544.1%	44.1%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	40.0%	0.0%

Votes for listed candidates: 14,431
Election day: November 6, 2012
District map: Older district map (2012 to 2021)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2012, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticPatti RuffWon	Democratic	7,36151.0%	51.0%
RepublicanBob Hager(incumbent)	Republican	7,05448.9%	48.9%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	160.1%	0.1%

Votes for listed candidates: 7,988
Election day: November 2, 2010
District map: Older district map (2002 to 2011)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2010, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanMatt W. WindschitlWon(incumbent)	Republican	7,85498.3%	98.3%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	1341.7%	1.7%

Votes for listed candidates: 13,892
Election day: November 4, 2008
District map: Older district map (2002 to 2011)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2008, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanMatt WindschitlWon(incumbent)	Republican	8,16658.8%	58.8%
DemocraticJan Creasman	Democratic	5,72641.2%	41.2%

Votes for listed candidates: 9,429
Election day: November 7, 2006
District map: Older district map (2002 to 2011)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2006, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanMatt W. WindschitlWon	Republican	4,99353.0%	53.0%
DemocraticNancy Bleth	Democratic	4,43647.0%	47.0%

Votes for listed candidates: 13,943
Election day: November 2, 2004
District map: Older district map (2002 to 2011)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2004, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanPaul A. WilderdykeWon(incumbent)	Republican	7,81956.1%	56.1%
DemocraticMichael E. Carritt	Democratic	6,12443.9%	43.9%

Votes for listed candidates: 9,144
Election day: November 5, 2002
District map: Older district map (2002 to 2011)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2002, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanPaul A. WilderdykeWon	Republican	5,54860.7%	60.7%
DemocraticJody R. Ewing	Democratic	3,59639.3%	39.3%

Votes for listed candidates: 13,519
Election day: November 7, 2000
District map: Older district map (1992 to 2001)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 2000, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanGene ManternachWon	Republican	7,09052.4%	52.4%
DemocraticDavid L. Gilchrist	Democratic	6,42947.6%	47.6%

Votes for listed candidates: 9,905
Election day: November 3, 1998
District map: Older district map (1992 to 2001)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1998, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJerry WelterWon(incumbent)	Republican	6,69067.5%	67.5%
DemocraticNels C. Scranton	Democratic	3,21532.5%	32.5%

Votes for listed candidates: 12,136
Election day: November 5, 1996
District map: Older district map (1992 to 2001)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1996, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJerry WelterWon(incumbent)	Republican	8,17967.4%	67.4%
DemocraticPeter B. Thurman	Democratic	3,95732.6%	32.6%

Votes for listed candidates: 10,143
Election day: November 8, 1994
District map: Older district map (1992 to 2001)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1994, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJerry WelterWon(incumbent)	Republican	7,12470.2%	70.2%
DemocraticPeter B. Thurman	Democratic	3,01929.8%	29.8%

Votes for listed candidates: 12,618
Election day: November 3, 1992
District map: Older district map (1992 to 2001)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1992, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJerry WelterWon	Republican	7,52159.6%	59.6%
DemocraticFrank Prostestic	Democratic	5,09740.4%	40.4%

Votes for listed candidates: 7,504
Election day: November 6, 1990
District map: Older district map (1982 to 1991)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1990, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJim HahnWon	Republican	4,70862.7%	62.7%
DemocraticJoe Hankins	Democratic	2,79637.3%	37.3%

Votes for listed candidates: 9,853
Election day: November 8, 1988
District map: Older district map (1982 to 1991)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1988, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanBill TrentWon	Republican	5,11151.9%	51.9%
DemocraticJohn Keig	Democratic	4,74248.1%	48.1%

Votes for listed candidates: 4,098
Election day: November 4, 1986
District map: Older district map (1982 to 1991)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1986, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanDonald R. PlattWon(incumbent)	Republican	4,09499.9%	99.9%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	40.1%	0.1%

Votes for listed candidates: 10,181
Election day: November 6, 1984
District map: Older district map (1982 to 1991)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1984, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanDonald R. PlattWon	Republican	7,00068.8%	68.8%
DemocraticJohn C. Heilman	Democratic	3,17631.2%	31.2%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	50.1%	0.1%

Votes for listed candidates: 7,459
Election day: November 2, 1982
District map: Older district map (1982 to 1991)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1982, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanBetty A. HoffmanbrightWon(incumbent)	Republican	4,52060.6%	60.6%
DemocraticRich Landis	Democratic	2,93839.4%	39.4%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	10.0%	0.0%

Votes for listed candidates: 11,386
Election day: November 4, 1980
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1980, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJames O. AndersonWon(incumbent)	Republican	6,06653.3%	53.3%
DemocraticRobert Skow	Democratic	5,32046.7%	46.7%

Votes for listed candidates: 7,828
Election day: November 7, 1978
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1978, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanJames O. AndersonWon	Republican	3,98851.0%	51.0%
DemocraticErnest Gilson(incumbent)	Democratic	3,84049.0%	49.0%

Votes for listed candidates: 10,789
Election day: November 2, 1976
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1976, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticErnest GilsonWon	Democratic	5,51251.1%	51.1%
RepublicanJames O. Anderson	Republican	5,27648.9%	48.9%
Scattered write-ins	Write-in	10.0%	0.0%

Votes for listed candidates: 9,822
Election day: November 4, 1974
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1974, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticC. W. HutchinsWon(incumbent)	Democratic	6,01761.3%	61.3%
RepublicanRobert D. Henke	Republican	3,80538.7%	38.7%

Votes for listed candidates: 11,896
Election day: November 7, 1972
District map: Older district map (1972 to 1981)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1972, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
DemocraticC. W. HutchinsWon	Democratic	5,97450.2%	50.2%
RepublicanJoe Sklenar	Republican	5,92249.8%	49.8%

Votes for listed candidates: 7,010
Election day: November 3, 1970
District map: Older district map (1970 to 1971)

Iowa House of Representatives District 56, 1970 to 2024, 1970, every candidate
Candidate	Party	Votes and share	Share
RepublicanC. Raymond FisherWon(incumbent)	Republican	3,57651.0%	51.0%
DemocraticLeonard L. Hollar	Democratic	3,37848.2%	48.2%
OtherAltha Quigley	Other	560.8%	0.8%

2024: MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns; not an official source
1970 to 2022: State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse), retrieved Oct 28, 2026. Compiled by Carl Klarner (Harvard Dataverse) from official returns; not an official source

Last contest in this district on file: 2024.

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Election Wrld. (2026). Iowa State House District 56, election results 1970 to 2024. https://www.electionwrld.com/ia/house/56. Retrieved October 30, 2026.

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Sources

Sources: Census TIGERweb Legislative MapServer (120th CDs layer 0, 119th CDs layer 4, 2026 SLD upper layer 1 and lower layer 2) (US Census Bureau, public domain), retrieved Oct 28, 2026; Open Civic Data division identifiers (census_autogenerated us_sldl/us_sldu and openstates state files); also (sld-recent.json): Open Civic Data division identifiers (country-us) (CC0 (repository); also (sld-recent.json): CC0 1.0), retrieved Oct 28, 2026; Open States people (current) CSVs (CC0-1.0 (Open States people data)), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by Open States volunteers and staff (rosters from state legislature sites) from official returns, not an official source; MEDSL 2024 official precinct returns (individual_states zips) (Not stated in the GitHub repository (an earlier label said "MIT (repo)", which the repository does not support). MEDSL's Harvard Dataverse records are CC0 1.0, but these GitHub files were not checksum-matched to the Dataverse files, so CC0 is not claimed for them.), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by MIT Election Data and Science Lab (MEDSL) from official returns, not an official source; State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse) (CC0 1.0), retrieved Oct 28, 2026, compiled by Carl Klarner (Harvard Dataverse) from official returns, not an official source.

District id: ocd-division/country:us/state:ia/sldl:56

DataState data (JSON)Sources: State Legislative Election Returns, 1967-2022 (Carl Klarner, Harvard Dataverse), DIME (ODC-BY), MEDSL 2024 official precinct returnsData as of Oct 28, 2026