Where each GOP candidate for Iowa governor stands on property rights, eminent domain
The field of Republican candidates running to be Iowa's next governor continues to grow, and property rights are likely to be a defining issue in the race.
The field of Republican candidates running to be Iowa's next governor continues to grow, and property rights are likely to be a defining issue in the race.
The field of Republican candidates running to be Iowa's next governor continues to grow, and property rights are likely to be a defining issue in the race.
The field of Republican candidates running to be Iowa's next governor continues to grow, and property rights are likely to be a defining issue in the race.
The last legislative session ended with Republican lawmakers divided over a bill that would have restricted eminent domain for carbon capture pipeline projects. The bill passed, but only after several weeks of stalled negotiations and fiery debate. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds ultimately vetoed the bill.
With four Republicans now running for governor, vlog asked each candidate where they stand on property rights and whether they would support legislation to limit eminent domain for pipelines.
Eddie Andrews
Republican Iowa Rep. Eddie Andrews said he's "a little more forward on landowner rights" than Reynolds. "One hundred percent. I've chosen sides. I'm not neutral on that," he said.
"I think you can be both pro-Iowa, pro-corn, pro-business, which all three of those I am, but still take a 100% line in the sand," Andrews added. "I am going to protect landowner rights. Period. Full stop."
Randy Feenstra
Republican U.S. Congressman Randy Feenstra, Iowa-04, said he has long opposed eminent domain but emphasized the importance of domestic energy and agriculture. "I'm against eminent domain," he said, "but also, domestic energy is very important. It is very vital to our state. Fifty-five percent of our corn goes to ethanol, so we need to continue to grow and expand and think of ways to grow our markets."
On whether he would sign legislation restricting eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines, Feenstra said, "I will work with the Legislature, but I think it's got to be between the landowner and the private company."
Brad Sherman
Republican former state lawmaker Brad Sherman said using eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines is a misuse of government power. "This is a private company who's not a common carrier for a product that's not a public utility, and that just doesn't fit what eminent domain is supposed to be used for," Sherman said.
"I will continue to fight for property rights and, you know, the Declaration of Independence says these rights come from our creator, and that the purpose of government then is to protect these rights," Sherman added.
Adam Steen
Adam Steen said he would sign legislation immediately if the Legislature does not act during the 2026 legislative session. "I would protect property rights through and through," he said. "I would sign a bill Day 1, similar to Senate File 92, that states eminent domain cannot be used for carbon capture pipelines."
Steen said his stance is informed by his own background, having three farms in his family and meeting with farmers across the state. "I met with a young farmer in Jefferson, Iowa, and he and his father showed me where the pipeline would go on his land," Steen said.
"That pipeline in an easement would be placed in between his machine shop buildings and an area where he's planning on building a home, which would give him no control, no access over that easement," Steen added. "It's going to damage a young up-and-coming farmer, and I will fight that tooth and nail and make sure that does not happen."
