Five Republicans and one Democrat will be on Iowa’s primary ballot for governor, seeking their party’s nomination in their bid to become the state’s next chief executive.
The seat is open after Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds decided not to seek another term.
Republicans will decide between five candidates: state Rep. Eddie Andrews, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, businessman Zach Lahn, former state Rep. Brad Sherman and former Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen.
State Auditor Rob Sand will be the lone candidate on the Democratic primary ballot.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Iowa’s primary election is June 2.
Click below to see learn more about the candidates and where they stand on key issues:
| Bios | Top issue | Water quality | Eminent domain | Property taxes | High prices | Cancer rates |
Who is Rob Sand?
Who is Eddie Andrews?
Who is Randy Feenstra?
Who is Zach Lahn?
Who is Brad Sherman?
Who is Adam Steen?
What would be your top issue if elected?
Sand (D): I hear it wherever I go: the current system is broken. I agree. The first thing we need to do is fix the broken system that puts politics over Iowans. The last decade of one-party control has eroded trust and hurt our economy, public schools, and led us to the No. 1 cancer growth rate in the country. I want to get to work addressing Iowa’s toughest challenges on day one, and my campaign will be releasing more detailed proposals that address Iowans’ top concerns, like strengthening our economy, supporting public education, addressing Iowa’s cancer crisis, and ending the two-choice system.
Andrews (R): Getting Iowa Education Back to No. 1 is my top priority. As a kid, my grandfather always lectured me to GET YOUR EDUCATION! Iowa answered, and LED the nation for decades. In the 1990s the state abandoned the “Iowa Model” in favor of national initiatives. In many districts, phonics, excellence, classics and teacher resources went out, and administrative heavy social models came in. Mississippi effectively adopted the original Iowa model, and in six years went from 49th to ninth. With my laser-focused leadership, I will restore Iowa back to the top. A well-educated Iowa can do anything!
Feenstra (R): My top priority as governor is to lower the cost of living for Iowans, and that means cutting and freezing property taxes for our families, farmers, seniors and small businesses. I won’t let rising property taxes hollow out our communities. I will also work to deliver higher wages for Iowa workers so that paychecks stretch further for families and young Iowans can plant their roots here at home. By making Iowa the most business- and ag-friendly state, we will help businesses and manufacturers grow in Iowa and ensure that our family farms are passed from one generation to the next, not China.
Lahn (R): My top priority as governor is putting Iowa First again. For too long, special interests and out-of-state money have benefited, while Iowa families pay the price. I’ll fight to save family farms from corporate takeover, make Iowa schools No. 1 in the nation again, create opportunities that keep our kids here instead of losing them to other states, and confront Iowa’s cancer crisis with real answers and accountability. Iowa should work for Iowans, and as governor, I’ll make sure it does.
Sherman (R): My top issue would be education. Iowa used to lead the nation, but not anymore. We are seeing dismal results for our investment, and I think we need to shake up what we teach. It’s time to replace common core with common sense, and replace DEI with ABC.
Steen (R): Keeping Iowa free for Iowa’s children and families. What does it mean to Keep Iowa Free? It means creating a dynamic lifestyle and economic culture that empowers Iowa’s families. Our children are our future, and we must ensure that future is safe and secure. As the next governor of Iowa, I will ensure that policies are designed to enable businesses to prosper, with the No. 1 goal being to clear a pathway for the next generation to flourish.
How would you address Iowa’s water quality problems?
Andrews (R): Building on the Nutrient Reduction Strategic Plan, I will solve Iowa’s critical clean water challenge by partnering with farmers, not punishing them. As governor, I’ll expand voluntary, incentive-based programs that reward cover crops, bioreactors, wetlands restoration and edge-of-field practices proven to reduce nitrates. I’ll cut red tape so conservation is easier and more profitable for family farms. I’ll also block excessive water withdrawals by out-of-state carbon capture projects that threaten our aquifers. Real solutions protect both our environment and our ag economy — Iowa’s heart.
Feenstra (R): As governor, I will make water quality a top priority of my administration. When Iowans turn on the tap, they deserve to feel confident that our water is safe and drinkable. My kids drink the same water that we all do, so I want our water to be the cleanest and safest possible. Being from rural Iowa, I know that nobody cares more about the health of our water and soil than our farmers. Iowa farmers have implemented practices like buffer strips, terracing, cover crops and other measures to keep our water safe. We will find solutions because Iowans deserve clean drinking water.
Lahn (R): Iowans deserve to be able to count on the basics. Clean water is at the top of the list of basics. Our kids won’t stay in Iowa if they don’t trust the water they drink. We need real results, expanding proven solutions to help reduce runoff in urban and rural settings alike. Agriculture solutions like saturated buffers, wetlands and cover crops can solve these issues. We can protect our water, support farmers and build communities where young families want to stay and raise their own kids. Iowa can lead in agriculture and clean water at the same time, and as governor, I’ll make sure we do.
Sherman (R): In Iowa, if we work on increasing soil health, earthworm density and more, it will help the earth retain more of the water that runs off with nitrates into our streams and rivers. I want to get back to a system where a family farm can not just survive, but thrive. We can encourage cover crops and buffer strips, and we can also work on even more investment in nitrate reduction.
Steen (R): First, I would fund river-fed water treatment facilities to remove nitrates at the point source — an immediate stopgap. Second, I would pursue independent research to identify nonpoint source locations in our rivers, helping us understand where nitrates are coming from. Third, I would create public/private partnerships with Iowa innovators to manufacture modular water treatment equipment at scale for small communities, including reverse-osmosis filters for single-family and multi-family homes.
Sand (D): I grew up hunting and fishing in Decorah, and I love Iowa’s outdoors. I want to protect them for future generations — including for my own two boys — and make sure every Iowan has safe, reliable water and can enjoy Iowa’s natural resources. That starts with taking our heads out of the sand and investing in water quality monitors, not defunding them like our current officials are doing. It’s pretty simple: We should know what’s in our water. Insiders also pushed for a bill to protect companies that pollute our water and make people sick. That’s wrong, and I’d veto it as governor.
Would you sign legislation banning the use of eminent domain to build carbon capture pipelines? Please explain
Feenstra (R): I do not support the use of eminent domain for private projects. The landowner and the private company must reach an agreement for a pipeline to be laid. As governor, I will bring the Legislature together to find a solution that fiercely defends private property rights and supports Iowa’s farmers and biofuels producers.
Lahn (R): Yes. I would sign legislation banning the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines. I’ve been clear from the beginning: no eminent domain for private gain. Period. The power to take someone’s land should never be used to benefit private corporations or politically connected interests. Property rights matter, and as governor, I will defend Iowa landowners.
Sherman (R): Yes, I would, but I may not wait until legislation to get to my desk on this issue as governor. Clearly, the Iowa Senate refuses to allow a bill addressing eminent domain abuse to pass easily, so I believe there may be grounds for an executive order to end the entire process taking place. Put simply, a private company who is not a common carrier for a product that is not a public utility should never, ever receive eminent domain. It goes completely against the Constitution, and I believe that may provide grounds for an executive order.
Steen (R): Yes, I would sign legislation that simply stated, “Eminent domain could not be used for carbon sequestration.” As a free-market capitalist, I would not interfere with private negotiations for easements for the pipeline.
Sand (D): Yes, I would. I have been clear about my position on this issue from the beginning: I do not support the use of eminent domain for the CO2 pipeline. At the same time, we need to improve the financial situation of Iowa farmers and ensure that if this project moves forward without eminent domain, it is built with good-paying union jobs for Iowa workers. We should focus on reforming the process that led to this issue in the first place: widening the corridor so that landowners and developers can reach voluntary agreements without eminent domain.
Andrews (R): Yes! On DAY ONE I will sign legislation banning eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines. As a state representative, I voted to stop eminent domain abuse. I’m the ONLY candidate who drafted legislation to ban it. I was the FIRST in the race to stand with Iowa farmers — attending 50-plus events in five years — and I’m personally suing Summit Carbon Solutions and the Iowa Utilities Commission to stop this abuse. The Declaration of Independence proclaims government’s job is to protect private property, not help the wealthy take it. Iowans deserve a governor who will strongly defend landowners.
What changes do you support to address Iowans’ concerns about property taxes?
Lahn (R): We have to address the immediate problem by freezing property taxes. I’ve also proposed raising taxes on out-of-state hedge funds, private equity firms and corporate investors who are buying up Iowa land and housing, and using that revenue to lower property taxes for Iowans. Our homeowners, farmers and small businesses should not be carrying the load, while outside interests profit off our state. Also, too many of our young people are leaving, and fewer taxpayers are left supporting the system. Growth matters. We need to keep our kids here, attract new families, create opportunity and grow Iowa.
Sherman (R): A perfect one-size-fits-all solution has not become clear to me, but I have several ideas on property taxes. First, I think transparency in spending would be huge, especially in local governments. There is massive overspending taking place in many locations, and if voters knew, I believe they would vote out bad actors. I have also been workshopping the idea of eliminating property taxes on a primary residence for Iowans who have lived in Iowa for at least 10 years once they hit 65. I have also seen proposals for a state fund that could eventually replace all taxes.
Steen (R): I would lower property taxes, freeze increases, remove retirees from the rolls and remove homeowners who have paid off their homes. However, all governments — state, local and school boards — have a spending problem. I would advocate for and institute zero-based budgeting at the state and local levels to ensure accountability and transparency in spending. No governmental entity, including school boards, should be allowed to use the same budget from the prior year and increase it without proving why they need the money.
Sand (D): Our property tax system is a mess, and it’s not working for Iowans. Insiders have made it harder to build more housing, which means costs go up and property taxes are higher. You also have out-of-state bad actors buying up farmland and housing while the proceeds flow out of state, leaving Iowans with fewer opportunities and resources. That needs to end. As governor, I’ll tax out-of-state investors at a higher rate, because Iowa should belong to Iowans. I’ll also stop the corporate giveaways that force property taxes higher and fight for property tax relief for Iowans, not special interests.
Andrews (R): I’ve asked thousands of Iowans, and they want major change to our broken property tax system. Seniors on fixed incomes tell me directly they struggle to stay in the homes they “own.” I have the boldest plan: a seven-year full phase-out of property taxes on homes, replaced with a fairer system that fully protects local funding for schools, first responders and services. In a first-ever collaborative move, I’m testing the first phase in three small counties. Iowans deserve real relief, not more Band-Aids. As governor, I will deliver the most innovative property tax reform in Iowa history.
Feenstra (R): As governor, on day one, I will cut and freeze property taxes. On my statewide tour, I’ve heard too many stories of seniors who can’t afford to live in their homes and small businesses that can’t keep their doors open on Main Street because of high property taxes. As a former city administrator of my hometown of Hull and a volunteer EMT for 15 years, I will also protect essential services like EMS, fire, police, roads and schools.
How would you help lower Iowans’ cost of living?
Sherman (R): Lowering property taxes is one big step. Another is all of the hidden taxes such as gas taxes that increase everyday items for Iowans. I think we also need big deregulation when it comes to Iowans selling good-quality food to their neighbors. Iowa is the world’s breadbasket, and the fact we import over 90% of our food from out of state is disturbing to me.
Steen (R): Iowa should remain a state that is open for business. As a state, we should incentivize skilled trades, healthcare occupations and agricultural occupations to grow our economy. I would also create tax incentives for companies that pursue joint ventures, strategic partnerships and spin out opportunities within their businesses and industries. Businesses that invest in their employees and their communities are the businesses that create jobs and opportunities for young families to grow and thrive right here in Iowa.
Sand (D): While costs have skyrocketed on everything, Iowans are being hit hardest, with less money in their pockets to cover those higher costs. On day one, I’ll begin the steps to reverse the privatization of Medicaid, working to expand access and bring down costs so more Iowans can get the care they need. I’ll also work to deliver property tax relief and restore the powers of the Auditor’s Office so your money isn’t wasted by an unaccountable school voucher program. I’ll push for universal pre-K and school meals to support our kids and put more money back into parents’ pockets.
Andrews (R): Building on no tax on tips and overtime, my ILIFE plan will lower Iowans’ cost of living, attacking it from every angle — especially for young families and seniors. My RED (Rural Economic Development) initiative will inject life into small towns with incentives to keep young people in their communities, strengthening our tax base. I’ll deliver new tax credits for seniors so more retirees stay near their grandchildren, bolstering local economies and rejuvenating small towns. I’ll also make Iowa the No. 1 business-friendly state in America, driving job growth, higher wages and more opportunity.
Feenstra (R): By making Iowa the most business- and ag-friendly state in the country, we will lower costs for Iowans and make life more affordable. On day one of my administration, I will cut and freeze property taxes, putting more money into people’s pockets. That’s how we grow our economy, create new jobs and bring more investment to Iowa. I will also be focused on lowering costs for everyday necessities like gas and groceries, making housing more affordable, and reducing the cost of childcare in our communities. My administration will continuously identify ways to deliver economic relief for Iowans.
Lahn (R): Prices are rising in large part due to consolidation. My plan starts by breaking up monopolies with aggressive antitrust action so families have more competition, better prices and more choices. We also need to lower property taxes by making out-of-state hedge funds, private equity firms and corporate investors pay more so Iowans can pay less. I support banning hedge funds from buying single-family homes, which are driving up valuations, so families can compete again. I’ll fight for food freedom, making it easier for Iowans to buy directly from their neighbors, local farmers and small producers.
How would you address Iowa’s high cancer rates?
Steen (R): I would create a specific enterprise within the Department of Administrative Services dedicated to facilitating a Free Us From Cancer project. This is not a task force, but a dedicated group of public servants and private innovators to solve the cancer issue. I would utilize certified project managers within the executive branch, trained through the Drake University program, to drive the project to completion and a solution. This will take years, beginning with independent research and close collaboration with healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and the private sector.
Sand (D): We need to invest more in radon mitigation, water quality and research into alcohol consumption to stop the rising cancer rates. As governor, I plan to make meaningful investments in cancer research so we can identify the root causes and work to eliminate them at the source. As an Iowan, I always want to beat Nebraska. They invested over $23 million into cancer research, while we just scratched the surface. Let’s put our universities to work by investing in research and giving Iowa families a fighting chance to live better, healthier lives and beat Nebraska while we’re at it.
Andrews (R): My heart sank when we heard the news about Iowa ranks No. 2 in cancer rates. I immediately called for the $1 million study, to research causes. I’m also one of a few legislators championing special emphasis on pediatric cancer, and earlier this month, I introduced Marie Post on the House floor. While this 10-year-old pediatric cancer awareness advocate is amazing, it is also heartbreaking; we adults need to do more. As we study everything, it’s tempting to blame one area, but as a leader, I will bring all parties — from food growers to radon — to the table to make Iowa the most healthy state.
Feenstra (R): Too many Iowans have lost a loved one to cancer or know someone battling a diagnosis. My childhood best friend died from cancer. That’s why, as governor, I will make high-quality healthcare affordable and accessible for all Iowans. To save lives, we need to invest in cancer research, work with our universities and ensure that Iowans across the state can receive the screenings and treatment they need in a timely manner. I will work with the legislature to promote policies that help Iowans catch cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and deliver lifesaving care in all communities.
Lahn (R): Iowa has the fastest growing rate of new cancer cases in the world. I’m tired of watching friends, neighbors and family members get cancer. Iowans are dying at 65 when their parents lived to be 80. We’re losing the wisdom of a generation. For decades, we’ve been lied to by large ag corporations about the safety of their products. No corporation or industry should get immunity from liability. Iowans deserve recourse when harmed by a product. I have proposed enhanced testing, early detection and independent research into products used in Iowa, and a commitment to clean water and healthier families.
Sherman (R): First, we need truly independent studies conducted with no conflicts of interest. Then, we can begin finding out what the true causes of our soaring cancer rates are. Once we do, we can begin taking targeted action. One source that we have known for decades, with little action taken, is radon. Radon we can address immediately with testing kits and mitigation systems and more.
You can read much more about the midterm candidates at: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/news/elections/.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa’s governor candidates sound off on cancer rates, property taxes
Reporting by Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
