Richard Arnold was first elected to the House in 1994. He is a farmer, and owner of Arnold Farm and Trucking for the past six years. Richard was born on February 9, 1945, in Lucas County. His father, Dean, was a farmer and small business owner. His mother, Isis, was a homemaker and school teacher. Rich has one sister, Doris, who is President of Human Resources of KSL Resorts in Vail, Colorado.

Rich grew up in Russell, Iowa, and attended Meyers Country School for eight years. He graduated in 1963 from Russell High School. After completing high school, he attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1968.

He married his wife, Cheryl, in 1991. Rich has five children, Jim, Gail, Mike, Alison, and Brian. Rich has 7 grandchildren.

Rich attends Russell Methodist Church. He is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Iowa Cattleman’s Association.

Prior to his service in the House, Rich served one term on the Russell City Council and eight years on the Lucas County Board of Supervisors.