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A PLEASANT HILL Adam Steen, a Republican and former director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, stated at a campaign launch event Tuesday night that he announced his intention to run for governor because he wanted to live his life fully prepared for higher levels of leadership so that the Lord would be exalted.
After the church band, A17 Worship, performed and the senior pastor of the church gave an introduction, Steen, of Runnells, made his candidacy known in a crowded room at Berean Church in Pleasant Hill. He emphasized the importance of his religion in his campaign.
As the crowd erupted in applause, Steen declared, “I am the faith guy, I’m a Jesus guy, I’m a Make America Great Again guy.”
Fifteen years ago, I made the decision to always become the kind of leader the Lord would want me to be.
In 2021, Steen was appointed DAS director by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Prior to that, Steen worked for the financial services company Syverson Strege as the director of business development. Steen was a relief pitcher for the Batavia Muckdogs and Philadelphia Phillies in 2002.
Steen also announced his resignation from DAS along with the beginning of his camp.
“I went into the governor’s office at 10 a.m. today and handed in my resignation,” Steen stated. I left a career that I enjoyed in order to fight for and protect the state that I support.
Steen, 45, outlined his achievements as DAS director, including turning down a proposal to host a family-friendly, all-ages drag show at the Capitol and rejecting the Satanic Temple of Iowa’s desire to erect an exhibit and celebrate in the Iowa State Capitol rotunda in December.
Steen claimed in December that the temple’s exhibit was in violation of the agreement of understanding’s obscenity rules, which organizations must adhere to while hosting exhibits or events at the Capitol complex. Obscene items, including those that show needless bloodshed or violence, are forbidden by the rule.
Later, the temple sued Steen, claiming that his denial of their request was a violation of their First Amendment rights.
Steen stated, “I am the person being sued by the Satanists for defending our children, and I am the person who stood in front of them when they openly targeted children.” You never heard about the request for a family-friendly, all-ages drag show at the Capitol that I turned down, did you? I ran the risk of getting sued again, so you didn’t hear about that, but I don’t care because I will always stand up for our kids.
Steen also honored Reynolds in his speech, saying that if he wins, he will continue her legacy.
According to Steen, Governor Reynolds is the best governor in Iowa history. I’m a man who is eager to uphold that tradition and continue to have a fearless, winning mindset.
Steen is one of four Republicans vying for the position, including Williamsburg preacher Brand Sherman and Johnston state representative Eddie Andrews. Currently, state senator Mike Bousselot and U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra are pursuing exploratory campaigns.
Iowa’s primary election is set for June 2, 2026.
