Iowa is more than Des Moines. Iowa is the small towns, main streets, farms, neighborhoods, churches, schools, local businesses, and families that make up the heart of this state. It’s the more than 940 incorporated communities across our 99 counties that keep Iowa moving every single day. Those communities are not a side note to state government; they are its foundation.
That’s why I believe Adam Steen is the right choice to be the next Governor of Iowa.
Over the last several years, I’ve talked with mayors and local leaders from communities across Iowa, and many of them are struggling. Policies like the 2% growth cap have forced cities and towns to cut programs, delay infrastructure improvements, and make difficult decisions that directly impact the quality of life for residents. Communities are being asked to do more with less while still trying to grow, attract families, support businesses, and provide essential services.
Adam Steen understands this because he understands that strong communities create a strong Iowa.
What I appreciate most about Adam is that he talks about growing Iowa from the ground up, not just through government programs or political talking points, but by investing in people, families, workers, and communities. He understands that economic development is not just about spreadsheets and statistics. It’s about creating places where people want to live, work, raise children, and build a future.
Adam believes in investing in workforce development and bringing dignity back to the skilled trades. Iowa desperately needs welders, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, carpenters, manufacturers, and skilled workers. For too long, society has pushed every student toward a four-year degree while overlooking the incredible opportunities that exist in the trades. Adam wants to reconnect young people with those opportunities and help build a stronger workforce without burying the next generation in debt.
He also understands that affordable housing, safe communities, strong schools, and local events matter. Those things are not luxuries; they are what keep families in Iowa and attract new people here.
Adam also recognizes the importance of fully supporting essential public services that Iowans rely on every day. That includes strong funding, staffing, and resources for police, fire departments, and healthcare systems. Public safety and access to quality healthcare are not optional, they are core responsibilities of government, and Adam has emphasized making sure first responders have what they need to keep communities safe and that healthcare providers can continue serving both rural and urban Iowa effectively.
Another reason I support Adam Steen is because he’s willing to have honest conversations about issues many politicians avoid. One of those issues is Iowa’s cancer rate. Adam has talked openly about the importance of studying why cancer rates are impacting so many Iowa families. He has spent time listening to doctors, scientists, chemists, and healthcare professionals about solutions involving water quality, nitrates, air quality, nutrition, and healthier living.
That matters because protecting public health is personal and not political. Every Iowa family knows someone affected by cancer, and we deserve leadership willing to look for long-term solutions instead of ignoring difficult conversations.
Adam has also talked about Iowa’s future energy needs. As our state grows, we need reliable and affordable energy that can support manufacturing, agriculture, businesses, and future economic development. Adam has shown leadership by studying long-term solutions like nuclear energy and exploring ways Iowa can increase energy capacity while protecting valuable farmland. He understands we cannot continue sacrificing productive ground without having serious conversations about balanced energy policy and sustainability.
What also separates Adam Steen from many candidates is that he understands government should operate responsibly. He supports zero-based budgeting, which means government agencies should justify every dollar spent instead of automatically increasing budgets year after year. That approach creates accountability, reduces waste, and protects taxpayers. For local communities and state government alike, that kind of leadership could help ensure money is spent where it matters most.
When a board hires a CEO, they don’t hire someone based on promises alone or how much money they have or have raised; they look at leadership experience, results, and the ability to solve problems. Adam Steen brings real experience to the table. During nearly five years serving in Governor Reynolds’ administration, including as Director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services and as the Chief Operating Officer, Adam worked on improving efficiency, modernizing operations, managing resources responsibly, and helping state government function more effectively for taxpayers.
That experience matters because Iowa does not need someone learning on the job. We need someone who understands both business and government and knows how to lead from day one.
But beyond policy and experience, I also appreciate Adam’s focus on faith, family, and values.
As a family man myself, I love the idea of getting families back around the dinner table again, talking, listening, and reconnecting face to face instead of through screens. Adam believes strong families create strong communities, and strong communities create a stronger Iowa.
He is open about his Christian faith and believes leadership should be grounded in integrity, accountability, service, morals, and ethics. Whether someone agrees with him politically or not, there is value in having leaders who genuinely believe in serving others and doing what is right even when it’s difficult.
Adam also understands teamwork. His background in sports taught him lessons about discipline, adversity, sacrifice, leadership, winning, and learning from setbacks. Those lessons matter because governing is not about one person; it’s about building teams, solving problems together, and moving Iowa forward.
At the end of the day, Iowa’s future depends on strong communities, responsible leadership, economic growth, workforce development, healthy families, public safety, and a healthcare system that serves every corner of the state.
Adam Steen understands that Iowa’s communities are not dependent on the state; the state depends on them.
If our communities thrive, Iowa thrives.
That is why I believe Adam Steen is the best choice to serve as the next Governor of Iowa.
Be Your Best!
- Mayor Brad Bark
Muscatine, Iowa
