While attending college, Wood led the Simpson
College Republicans and was vice chair and later chair of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans. She also worked for state legislators
Clel Baudler and
Mary Ann Hanusa. After incumbent legislator
Matt Windschitl was redistricted from
District 17 of the
Iowa House of Representatives and
Cecil Dolecheck announced his retirement, Wood decided to run for office. She defeated Paul Dykstra, who previously served as a
Ringgold County supervisor, in the
Republican Party primary. Wood won the general election against Pat Shipley, a teacher, and mayor of
Nodaway, Iowa, affiliated with the
Democratic Party. ==References==