Leading Gubernatorial Candidates Outline Views on Iowa’s Innovation Economy
The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) invited all six declared candidates for Iowa’s open gubernatorial race to share their perspectives on the state’s innovation economy and the role of technology in shaping Iowa’s future. Responses were requested in advance of the primary election on June 2, 2026 and the general election on November 3, 2026.
Disclosure: All six candidates were contacted to participate in the survey; two candidates submitted responses.
The candidates’ responses are included below:
1. IOWA’S INNOVATION ECONOMY
Iowa’s economy is increasingly powered by technology across every major sector. As Governor, what specific steps would you take to position Iowa as a leading Midwestern state for tech-driven growth and innovation over the next four years?
Randy Feenstra: “I’m running for Governor to make Iowa the most business- and ag-friendly state in the country. That means advancing pro-growth policies and making our tax code even more favorable so that companies choose to build, create jobs, and expand in Iowa. We are competing with 49 other states for investment, jobs, and talent – and, as Governor, I will ensure that Iowa is the top destination for technology and innovation to flourish. We will produce abundant, reliable, and affordable power, eliminate burdensome red tape where appropriate, and partner with businesses to deliver good-paying jobs and grow our communities. I believe that public-private partnerships are the key to powering growth and giving both the state of Iowa and private enterprises a stake in a stronger economy. Under my administration, Iowa will be the most business- and ag-friendly state in the country because we will embrace the full economic potential of technology companies and innovative start-ups – helping them grow and thrive in Iowa.”
Adam Steen: “As Governor, I would immediately champion public-private partnerships with a focus on utilizing technology to increase margin within existing businesses and create new entrepreneurial/innovative opportunities in industries including, but not limited to: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Financial Services/Insurance, Education, and Healthcare.”
2. TALENT, POPULATION & SKILLS
Iowa’s growth depends on talent. What are the two biggest actions you would take to retain top talent and attract experienced professionals, and what role should employers, education, and state government each play?
Randy Feenstra: “In addition to making Iowa the most business- and ag-friendly state in the country, my vision also includes delivering world-class education for Iowa kids and keeping our kids right here in Iowa with great jobs and opportunities. Our kids cannot be one of our state’s top exports. As Governor, I will work with businesses to ensure that, when young Iowans graduate from high school, trade school, community college, or a four-year university, there is a job waiting for them in Iowa. We need to connect young professionals with local opportunities and build a strong workforce by looking first within our state, because the talent is here, eager, and ready. Again, since we are competing with 49 other states, we need to implement policies that not only encourage our young people to stay in Iowa but also attract new businesses and professionals to the state. By advancing smart tax policies, promoting provisions for business growth, and getting government out of the way as much as possible, we can make Iowa the number one state for jobs and opportunities.”
Adam Steen: “First, I would institute more technology-driven classes at younger ages in public school, private/independent schools, and homeschool communities. To do this, I would engage the private sector to lead and guide the selection of technologies and products to ensure the most up-to-date teaching. Second, I would clear a path for more internship/apprentice programs with private companies to create a pathway to job-ready students to enter the workforce and achieve the American Dream right here in Iowa.”
3. AI & DIGITAL TRUST
Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping industries. How will you ensure Iowa adopts smart, forward-looking policies that protect citizens without stifling innovation, small businesses, or startup growth?
Randy Feenstra: “Artificial intelligence needs commonsense, enforceable guardrails that defend the rights and privacy of Iowans, protect jobs in Iowa, and support economic growth, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit. In consultation with business and community leaders, I believe that we can achieve all three of these goals. As part of my vision to keep our kids in Iowa, we must ensure that our educational system is teaching the fundamentals of AI, robotics, and other technologies so that young Iowans enter the workforce with a basic understanding of these tools. This investment will also help technology-focused businesses hire new graduates in Iowa and signal to companies in other states that Iowa is the place to grow and expand.”
Adam Steen: “At the core, I believe AI technology can be incredibly useful and valuable. I also support free-market capitalism and believe the private sector in Iowa has Iowans’ best interests in mind. A clear understanding of the uses of AI that can benefit versus areas that could be potentially harmful should be discussed regularly in both the public and private sectors. This will lead to a better understanding as a whole before policies are enacted. Safeguards on personal information (child safety / national security / fraud prevention) would be great first topics to discuss.”
4. INFRASTRUCTURE & CAPACITY
A modern economy relies on digital infrastructure: broadband, cybersecurity readiness, energy capacity, and data/data-center readiness. What are your top priorities to ensure Iowa remains competitive in supporting and attracting digital infrastructure, including in rural communities?
Randy Feenstra: “My vision to make Iowa the most business- and ag-friendly state in the country requires strong, reliable infrastructure and abundant, affordable power. In Congress, I’ve laid the foundation for investments in digital infrastructure, such as expanding high-speed broadband to rural communities through my work in the Farm Bill, and we’ve done important work to promote domestic energy production to lower costs and increase dependability. As Governor, I’ll build on that foundation by supporting baseload power generation, establishing public-private partnerships to connect more Iowans to the internet, and ensuring that the state of Iowa is active in combating cybersecurity attacks and preempting breaches. I will evaluate every possibility where we can make Iowa the most business- and ag-friendly state in the nation.”
Adam Steen: “We, as a State, need to explore and invest in technology that ensures connectivity and access across our entire State. Our digital infrastructure can be and should be viewed as a key driver for economic success and growth.”
5. BUSINESS CLIMATE & ACCESS TO CAPITAL
What specific changes would you pursue to help more high-growth companies start, scale, and stay in Iowa—including improving access to early-stage capital and reducing barriers that slow expansion?
Randy Feenstra: “Ensuring that high-growth companies start, scale, and stay in Iowa is exactly what I mean when I say I want to make Iowa the most business- and ag-friendly state in the country. First, we need to continue to make our tax code more competitive, and one area where I see real potential to lower the tax burden is property taxes. As Governor, on the first day of my administration, I will cut and freeze property taxes for families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses. In the case of startups and enterprises, by reining in the seemingly limitless increase in property taxes, we will let small businesses keep more of the money that they earn and, in turn, invest more resources in creating new jobs, expanding in Iowa, and powering economic growth. Additionally, we also need to identify outdated and burdensome rules and regulations that stifle growth and impede entrepreneurship. We want new businesses to focus on building and growing, not filling out endless paperwork and navigating bureaucracy. There will be no stronger partner and advocate for business development and job creation than I will be as Governor.”
Adam Steen: “I would immediately explore joint venture, strategic partnership, and spin-out opportunities within our existing business infrastructure. Continuing to champion a pro-growth mindset and pro-business infrastructure is critical to our current and future success. Iowa should be open for business, and our policies and regulatory environment should reflect that.”
About the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI)
The Technology Association of Iowa guides public policy, develops talent, and invests in our state’s innovation ecosystem. Since 1997, we’ve united technology professionals and leaders to bolster economic prosperity across industries. Our members champion a clear truth: Technology is the cornerstone of Iowa’s growth — and innovation is every Iowan’s business.
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