Gene Ficken -- Iowa House District 23

Who he is: Gene Ficken is a retired school teacher and educator from Independence, Iowa. He currently manages his own small business. He is a fixture in his community -- coaching sports, serving on his church council, and participating in service organizations. He is running for the Iowa state house because he has a lifetime of commitment toward improvement of his community.

Why his race matters: Democrats in Iowa control the House of Representatives by six seats, 53/47, and a victory by Ficken will help to give Democrats a majority to govern. As a teacher with more than 30 years of experience, Ficken also has the policy expertise to become an instant leader on education.

Mary Ann Sullivan -- Indiana House District 97

Who she is: Mary Ann Sullivan is an educator from Indianapolis. She has worked for Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and the Indiana Department of Education. She has served on boards for the Indiana Partnerships Center and the IPS Key Learning Community.

Why her race matters: Mary Ann Sullivan is an education expert and will bring years of experience as an advocate to the Indiana House of Representatives. Democrats control the chamber by just two seats and need support from new members to protect their majority and develop an agenda for governing.

Paul Drucker -- Pennsylvania House District 157

Who he is: Paul Drucker has served his community as an Assistant District Attorney and the first ever Democratic member of the Tredyffrin Township Board of
Supervisors. He has run his own business, worked as a lawyer in private practice, been involved as a management consultant for nonprofit organizations, and served as president of his synagogue.

Why his race matters: Democrats hold a one seat majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and every victory will help the party solidify control over the chamber. Paul Drucker has experience working in government with Democrats and Republicans and knows how to get things done.

Patricia Creedon -- Delaware House District 21

Who she is: Patricia Creedon is an entrepreneur from Delaware. In 1989, she founded Creedon Controls Electrical Contractor, a company she has run for the past 19
years. She has served on numerous state commissions and national boards, where she has been an advocate for employee benefits, financial literacy, and health care.

Why her race matters: The Delaware House of Representatives is a top target for a Democratic pickup in the fall. Republicans control the chamber by just three seats, 22/19. As a strong challenger against a GOP incumbent, Patricia Creedon represents an enormous opportunity on Election Day.