The new 94th District includes some of her hometown of Bettendorf, and some of Davenport that's she's represented in the past, but now for the first time her district includes Eldridge.
First elected in 2008, she's now serving her 7th term. In recent years Republicans have held large majorities in the Iowa legislature, and that's been frustrating for her and other Democrats.
"We find that we don't really have a voice when it comes to that. We can scream and holler but at the end of the day what happens is that who-ever is the majority, they're the ones who determine what bills get done.
Education is a top priority, following her 30 years as a secretary for the Davenport schools. But she's also worked hard for water quality and the environment, and to support small business.
Thede also says the divide between the two parties in Des Moines has widened in recent years.
"And the reason why it has is because oftentimes a lot of the federal issues seem to bleed over to the states and using those as props really is not helpful. If we just focused on Iowa issues I think we would do better."
Her opponent in the 94th District is Republican Mike Vondran, from Davenport.
