Christopher Rants was first elected in 1992. He was born on September 16, 1967, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Marvin and Carolyn Rants. His parents were both educators, and his mother, Carolyn, retired after serving as the Interim Vice-President of Instruction at Western Iowa Technical Community College. Christopher has one brother, Doug, who works for Principal Financial in Des Moines.

Christopher grew up in Sioux City and attended the public school system. He graduated with honors form Sioux City North High School in 1986. In 1989, he graduated Cum Laude from Morningside College in Sioux City.

In 1992, he married his wife, Trudy, and together they have two daughters, Grace and Kait, who attend school in the Sioux City Public School system. Christopher and his family attend Grace United Methodist Church in Morningside.

Christopher ascended quickly through leadership in the House. In 1999, he was elected Speaker Pro Tem. From 1999-2002, he served as the House Majority Leader and from 2003-2006, he has presided as Speaker of the Iowa House. From 2007-2008 he served as Minority Leader.