Ken Croken Explained

Ken Croken
State House1:Iowa
District1:97th
Term Start1:January 9, 2023
Predecessor1:Norlin Mommsen (redistricting)
Constituency1:District 97 - (2023–present)
Birth Place:Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Spouse:Kathryn McKnight
Children:2
Education:Saint Joseph's University
New England Law Boston

Kenneth R. Croken (born 1950)[1] is an American politician and retired attorney who has represented the 97th district of the Iowa House of Representatives since January 2023, which consists of part of eastern Davenport in Scott County. He is a member of the Democratic Party.[2]

Early life

Croken was born in 1950 in Long Branch, New Jersey, and was raised in Keansburg, New Jersey.[2] He attended Mater Dei High School.[3] He received a bachelor's degree from Saint Joseph's University and a Juris Doctor from New England Law Boston.[2]

Political career

Croken won a seat on the Scott County Board of Supervisors in 2018.[4]

Croken announced his candidacy for the 97th district of the Iowa House of Representatives in November 2021, shortly after decennial redistricting.[4] He won the Democratic primaries unopposed on June 7, 2022, and defeated Libertarian Andrew Onsgard in the general election on November 8 by over 3,500 votes. He subsequently resigned from the Scott County Board of Supervisors.[5]

In August 2023, Croken announced that he was running for mayor of Davenport.[6] He was defeated in the general election by incumbent Mike Matson by over 1,600 votes.[7]

In 2024, Croken filed to run for reelection to the Iowa House.[8] He won the Democratic primaries unopposed on June 4, 2024, and will face Republican Josue Rodriguez in the general election on November 5, 2024.[5]

Croken currently serves on the Administration and Rules, Labor and Workforce, Local Government, and Ways and Means committees.[9]

Personal life

Croken has two adult children and resides in Davenport.[2] His wife Kathryn died of breast cancer in 2021.[1] He is a retired attorney and former communications and government relations manager. He is also an adjunct faculty member at St. Ambrose University and is a member of the Quad Cities River Bandits ownership group.[4]

Electoral history

* = incumbent

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kathryn McKnight Obituary (1948 - 2021) - Davenport, IA - Quad-City Times . Legacy.com . June 4, 2024.
  2. Web site: State Representative - All Years . Iowa Legislature . June 4, 2024.
  3. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-register-kenneth-croken-of-mat/148758150/ "Pep Club Members Elect New Officers"
  4. Web site: Turner . Jonathan . Croken announces run for Iowa General Assembly in 2022 . WHBF - OurQuadCities.com . June 4, 2024 . 10 November 2021.
  5. Web site: Ken Croken . Ballotpedia . June 4, 2024 . en.
  6. Web site: Watson . Sarah . State Rep. Ken Croken announces bid for mayor of Davenport . The Quad-City Times . June 4, 2024 . en . 3 August 2023.
  7. Web site: Matson wins third term as Davenport mayor . KWQC . June 4, 2024 . en . 8 November 2023.
  8. Web site: primarycandidatelist.pdf . Iowa Secretary of State . June 5, 2024.
  9. Web site: State Representative - Bills & Committees . Iowa Legislature . June 5, 2024.