Iowa gubernatorial candidate Steen stresses business resume on campaign trail

URBANDALE — Adam Steen launched his campaign for Iowa governor branding himself as “the faith guy,” and now has added a business flavor to his self-description when meeting with prospective voters.

“You’re looking at a business guy,” Steen said Wednesday while speaking to a gathering of the Westside Conservative Club in this Des Moines suburb. “You’re looking at a common sense, people-first, America-first business guy that has a faith foundation.”

Steen, a former state agency director from Runnells, is one of five Republicans seeking their party’s nomination in Iowa’s 2026 open-seat election for governor.

The other Republicans running for governor are Western Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra, state legislator Eddie Andrews from Johnston, business owner Zach Lahn of Belle Plaine, and former state legislator Brad Sherman of Williamsburg.

Republican incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has held the office since 2017, announced last year that she is not seeking re-election to another four-year term.

State auditor Rob Sand is expected to be Iowa Democrats’ gubernatorial candidate. Also running as a Democrat is West Des Moines consultant Julie Stauch.

While addressing the dozens in the conservative group, Steen described the work he did in business before he was named director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, the agency that manages state government’s payroll and benefits, building and grounds, and more.

Steen talked about his work in investment banking with his father and starting a business around a turkey decoy that a friend had designed while they were in high school, which wound up being sold by retail stores across the country, he said.

“You’re looking at somebody who’s worked with businesses that exist and taken them to another level. You’re looking at somebody who’s taken a dusty product out of a garage and created something out of nothing,” Steen said.

Steen also made the argument that his business background bolsters his resume with Iowa voters, marrying that with his support for Republican President Donald Trump.

“I believe that we are witnessing a president that actually cares about our country. He actually cares about our people,” Steen said. “And we need a governor here in the state of Iowa that’s willing to work alongside President Trump in everything that he is doing, so that we can remain free, that we can remain protected, our children and families can be safe. Because I’m telling you, Rob Sand’s not going to do that. He won’t work with him. …

“My business background brings in a whole other group of people that appreciate my history, that appreciate my background,” Steen added later in his remarks. “I’ve got the boldness of, frankly, the president, and how he makes decisions. So I’ve got a great relationship with the MAGA crowd. I’ve got a great relationship with the MAHA (make America healthy again) crowd.”

During a question-and-answer segment with those gathered, Steen was asked for his position on property rights and the government’s use of eminent domain, especially as it applies to hazardous liquid pipelines.

An eminent domain and property rights debate has engulfed Iowa — and divided Iowa Republicans — ever since state regulators approved a carbon dioxide pipeline through the state.

Steen said he opposes the use of eminent domain for a carbon dioxide pipeline, but does not oppose private negotiations between landowners and pipeline companies.

“I am an absolute property rights champion, through and through. I do not believe that eminent domain should be used for carbon sequestration,” Steen said. “I’m not against private negotiation, though. …

“I think we need to make sure eminent domain cannot be used for carbon sequestration. But if they can privately negotiate it, I’m totally fine with that. I’m a free market capitalist at the end of the day. But eminent domain should not be used in that situation.”

Iowa’s primary election is June 2 and the general election is Nov. 3.

Comments: (515) 355-1300, erin.murphy@thegazette.com

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