The political landscape in Iowa recently witnessed a pivotal forum where three leading Republican gubernatorial hopefuls unveiled their distinct policy proposals before a significant gathering of Christian conservatives. This crucial event, held in Cumming, underscored the candidates’ strategic focus on appealing to a key voting bloc ahead of the impending 2026 open-seat election, where incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds will not seek re-election.
Among the most contentious and widely discussed issues were the prohibition of medication abortion and the ambitious goal of eliminating residential property taxes, policies designed to resonate deeply with the conservative base. State legislators Mike Bousselot of Ankeny and Eddie Andrews of Johnston, alongside Williamsburg pastor Brad Sherman, articulated their respective stances, setting the stage for a compelling political discourse.
Beyond specific policy planks, the candidates leveraged the platform to highlight their past electoral successes, express admiration for former President Donald Trump, and affirm their unwavering religious convictions, demonstrating a unified front on core conservative values. The forum, hosted by the influential Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, drew over a hundred attendees eager to assess the contenders vying for Iowa’s highest office.
A nuanced divergence emerged concerning property rights, an issue that proved divisive within the Republican majority during the 2025 legislative session. Bousselot championed a Senate Republican leadership proposal that ultimately failed due to internal party dissent. In contrast, Andrews voted for the House Republicans’ proposal, which Sherman vocally supported, though this version was subsequently vetoed by Governor Kim Reynolds, illustrating the complexities of the Property Tax Reform debate.
On Abortion Policy, a year after Iowa enacted a law banning abortions post-cardiac activity, Andrews and Sherman both advocated for further restrictions, specifically targeting access to medication abortions and affirming their belief in life beginning at conception. Bousselot, emphasizing his legislative votes for past abortion restrictions, also called for additional measures to “protect life” and “defund Planned Parenthood,” albeit without detailing specific strategies.
The urgency to address escalating Property Tax Reform was a unifying theme among all three Gubernatorial Election hopefuls, as these taxes significantly fund local governments and schools across Iowa. Bousselot and Andrews revealed their campaigns are actively developing proposals aimed at systematically phasing out and eventually eliminating residential property taxes, a move that would dramatically reshape the state’s fiscal landscape given the recent 6.8% increase in collected property taxes.
When pressed on their electability in the 2026 general election, Andrews and Bousselot underscored their track records of winning competitive statehouse races, pointing to their proven ability to secure votes. Sherman, having declared his candidacy prior to Governor Reynolds’ announcement, presented his early commitment as a testament to his “confidence and clarity and purpose,” signaling his long-standing dedication to Iowa Politics.
Steve Scheffler, President of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, lauded the candidates’ performances, noting their comprehensive engagement with issues central to Iowans’ concerns. The forum served as a critical early indicator of the policy priorities and strategic approaches that will likely dominate the discourse as the Republican Candidates intensify their campaigns, shaping the future of Conservative Agenda within the state.
