Pleasant Hill, Iowa (RI) — A pastor who’s been a top administrator in state government submitted his resignation to Governor Kim Reynolds on Tuesday and launched his own campaign for governor. Forty-five-year-old Adam Steen of Runnells spoke to a large crowd in a Pleasant Hill church on Tuesday night.
Steen spoke to the crowd after a 20-minute concert from a group that led the congregation in singing praise music. Steen drew cheers and some whistles when he called fellow Republican Kim Reynolds the greatest governor in the history of Iowa.
Steen has been director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services for the past four years. The Satanic Temple Iowa has accused Steen of religious discrimination by denying the group’s application to host an event and a December holiday display in the Iowa Capitol. Steen is the fifth Republican to start campaigning for governor or file the paperwork to raise money for a campaign. Steen indirectly mentioned Congressman Randy Feenstra, who’s signalled he’ll formally enter the race next month. Steen says voters don’t want a career politician or a DC congressman, but are looking for people like him who work.
After the event, Steen told reporters he’s been preparing for this moment for 15 years.
State Representative Eddie Andrews of Johnston and Coralville Pastor Brad Sherman, a former member of the Iowa House, are the other Republicans who are running for governor. Republican State Senator Mike Bousselot of Ankeny is also exploring the idea of running for governor.
