Prominent Christian conservative leader Vander Plaats endorses Steen for Iowa governor

Vander Plaats says Steen 'offers us the best chance to excite voters' in race against Democrat Rob Sand

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Bob Vander Plaats, the president and CEO of the Christian conservative Family Leader, announced that he is endorsing Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Steen over Congressman Randy Feenstra and others. Vander Plaats said Steen 'offers us the best chance to excite voters to save Iowa from Rob Sand in November.' Sand, the Iowa State Auditor, is the front-runner for the Democratic primary to succeed Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Why it matters

Vander Plaats' endorsement of Steen is seen as a significant boost for the Republican candidate, as Vander Plaats is a prominent figure in Iowa's Christian conservative community. The endorsement could help Steen rally support from this key voting bloc in the primary election.

The details

Vander Plaats, a former candidate for governor himself, has criticized Feenstra for missing several high-profile debates and other candidate events. Steen has billed himself as the 'faith guy' in the race, and Vander Plaats' endorsement comes just days after Feenstra trailed other primary contenders in a number of unofficial straw polls conducted at county Republican caucus sites throughout the state.

  • Vander Plaats announced his endorsement of Steen on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The Iowa gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

The players

Bob Vander Plaats

The president and CEO of the Christian conservative Family Leader, a prominent figure in Iowa's Christian conservative community.

Adam Steen

The Republican gubernatorial candidate who Vander Plaats has endorsed, described as the 'faith guy' in the race.

Randy Feenstra

The U.S. Congressman who is also running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, but has been criticized by Vander Plaats for missing several high-profile debates and events.

Rob Sand

The Iowa State Auditor and the front-runner for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, who Vander Plaats says Steen offers the 'best chance to excite voters to save Iowa from' in November.

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What they’re saying

“Steen offers us the best chance to excite voters to save Iowa from Rob Sand in November.”

— Bob Vander Plaats, President and CEO, Family Leader (thegazette.com)

“Together we're going to activate conservatives across this state to win this race and defend the God-given freedoms that make Iowa strong.”

— Adam Steen, Republican gubernatorial candidate (thegazette.com)

What’s next

The Iowa gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, and the general election will be held in November 2026.

The takeaway

Vander Plaats' endorsement of Steen is a significant boost for the Republican candidate, as it could help him rally support from Iowa's Christian conservative community in the primary election. The race for the GOP nomination remains competitive, with Feenstra and others also vying for the chance to take on the Democratic front-runner, Rob Sand, in the general election.