A gubernatorial candidate made a campaign stop in Jefferson on Wednesday.

Republican Adam Steen spoke to a group of about 20 people at Bett and Bev’s BBQ, where lots of topics were discussed, including property tax reform. He gave his overall opinion following the visit with constituents. 

“Just talking to the folks in that room, that small group for this county, I think they could be a catalyst for property tax change (and) for TIF (tax increment finance) change that would foster economic development in this county that we could replicate in 98 other counties. So I got really excited leaving there because those folks were plugged in and they were experts in what they were talking about, and that’s how I make decisions. I look for experts, I look for people who are plugged in, and then we develop project plans, we attack them and get them done.”

Steen worked for 18 years in the private sector helping small businesses across the state to grow their overall sales, and for the last five years, he was appointed by Governor Kim Reynolds to be the Director of the Department of Administrative Services. The married man from Runnells with two school-age boys said that after Reynolds made her announcement of not seeking re-election, he made the decision to run for the office after seeing the candidate pool was not generating any buzz or energy across the state.

“I saw a risk for my children and my friend’s children that if I did not jump into this race, we’re going to see a Democrat jump into that seat and risk the culture and the freedom that this state has. I believe that Iowa is the freest state and the best culture in the Union, and it’s because of governors like Governor Reynolds who have come in and stood strong on issues that may have been controversial, but she stood up, she fought back and she created a free state that we need to maintain.”    

Steen is also wanting to pursue extending skilled trade opportunities to students and others to draw additional interest into those high paying jobs that are also quality jobs. He also wants to fight for property rights for Iowans against eminent domain use by private companies. Steen is running for the Republican nomination for the gubernatorial election of 2026.