With the June primary closing in and northwest Iowa’s political influence front and center, Republican candidates made their case to area voters Saturday night during a two‑hour forum at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake.
About 70 people attended the Buena Vista County Republicans-sponsored GOP event, moderated by State Senator Lynn Evans of Aurelia.
Evans opened the night by recognizing current and former local officials in attendance, including former Congressman Steve King, Representative Megan Jones, former Representative Gary Worthan, and Buena Vista County Sheriff Kory Elston.
Candidates participating included gubernatorial hopefuls Eddie Andrews, Brad Sherman, and Adam Steen, along with U.S. Senate candidate Jim Carlin, who arrived later in the program. Those invited but not present included Ashley Hinson, Zach Lahn, Randy Feenstra, and Chris McGowan.
Evans underscored the political weight of northwest Iowa heading into the June primary.
The three GOP candidates for governor used their opening remarks to draw contrasts on state operations, education, property rights, and the role of government.
Steen, former director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, leaned heavily on his background in state operations and project management.
Steen highlighted his work consolidating state agencies and transferring the Glenwood Resource Center property, and he emphasized skilled trades, family stability, and limiting government involvement.
Sherman, a former state representative and longtime pastor, framed his campaign around constitutional principles and what he calls “restoring the foundations of freedom.”
Sherman also discussed energy opportunities, including small modular nuclear reactors and methane production at ethanol plants.
Andrews, a state representative from Johnston, focused on property rights, mental health, and what he described as corruption and undue influence in politics.
He also highlighted his work on parents’ rights legislation and his experience winning in a Democratic‑leaning district.
All three candidates addressed Iowa’s education system. Sherman called for changes to curriculum, discipline, and the role of technology in classrooms.
Workforce shortages and rural opportunity were also recurring themes. Steen and Andrews both pushed for expanded partnerships between schools and private industry, especially in skilled trades and health care.
The Republican primary is June 2.
