A candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives is facing disciplinary charges from a state licensing board.
Erin Helleso, a state-licensed social worker and owner of Candor Recovery & Consulting in Johnston, is charged by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Professionals with “assuming a secondary role” with a client while failing to avoid conflicts of interest, with violating a rule that requires social workers to “represent oneself as competent” within the boundaries of their education and licensing, and with violating a rule that requires social workers to provide their clients with reasonable access to their records.
As is customary with all of Iowa’s licensing boards, the Board of Behavioral Professionals has not publicly disclosed any information as to the alleged conduct that gave rise to the charges other than to say it occurred while Helleso practiced social work somewhere in central Iowa.
Board records indicate the investigation of Helleso’s conduct was initiated in 2023, the same year she was licensed to practice in Iowa. A hearing on the charges is scheduled for May 21, 2026.
Helleso is one of three candidates, along with Annie Craven and Mandy Newton Rosenow, competing in the 2026 Democratic primary in House District 46, which includes Grimes, Granger, Woodward and Boulton. The seat is now held by Rep. Dan Gehlbach, a Republican.
Helleso declined to comment on the disciplinary charges Tuesday, but her attorney, Chris Stewart said, “Erin denies all charges and looks forward to resolving this matter swiftly.”
