Former Iowa DAS Director Adam Steen Announces GOP Gubernatorial Bid

Adam Steen, former director of Iowa's Department of Administrative Services, officially launched his campaign for governor with a faith-focused event at Berean Assembly of God Church in Pleasant Hill. Steen positioned himself as a 'faith guy,' emphasizing his commitment to conservative Christian values, including his stance as 'a life at conception guy' and his opposition to events he deemed harmful to children, such as those proposed by the Satanic Temple of Iowa and a family-friendly drag show at the state Capitol. Steen has been a vocal defender of these decisions, noting he is currently being sued by the Satanic Temple for denying their event request. Appointed by Governor Kim Reynolds in 2021, Steen highlighted his administrative accomplishments and framed his gubernatorial bid as a move away from career politicians, aiming to bring common-sense, America First policies to the state. He is the fifth Republican to enter the race following Reynolds' announcement that she would not seek re-election, with other GOP candidates including Eddie Andrews, Brad Sherman, Randy Feenstra, and Michael Bousselot also participating. Steen's campaign launch underscored his faith-driven leadership style and his intent to continue conservative governance in Iowa.