Sturgeon was then employed as a consultant to the Northwest Regional Library, and also worked in production for the Continental Baking Company for six and a half years before winning his first statewide legislative election in 1980, representing District 51 of the Iowa House of Representatives as a Democrat.
During his third consecutive term as state representative, Sturgeon began attending the University of Iowa College of Law.
[1] After defeating Milo Colton in a 1990 party primary,[2] Sturgeon held the Senate District 1 seat until 1995.
[1] After leaving the Iowa General Assembly, Sturgeon later served as chairman of the Woodbury County Democratic Party.
[4] In April 1986, Sturgeon attended a party with legislative colleagues, and was charged by a grand jury that August with indecent exposure.