After a Statehouse news conference Tuesday morning in which he announced that The FAMiLY Leader’s board of directors has unanimously and enthusiastically endorsed Adam Steen for governor, President and CEO Bob Vander Plaats appeared on the Simon Conway Show on WHO Radio to share more details about why the organization felt compelled to take a position in the race.
“Our ministry usually keeps our powder dry,” Vander Plaats said. “We have supporters who back a lot of different candidates, so we typically stay in what we call a safe harbor. But this time the board felt the stakes are simply too high.”
Vander Plaats noted that Iowa voters rarely change governors, meaning the decision voters make in the upcoming election could shape the state’s direction for many years.
“Iowans don’t change governors very often,” he said. “This is probably the biggest decision Iowans are going to make in a decade. After carefully sizing up the race and the candidates, our board believes Adam Steen is the best prepared to lead on day one and the best positioned to win in November.”
Unlike a personal endorsement, Vander Plaats said an endorsement from The FAMiLY Leader activates a powerful statewide grassroots network.
“When the organization gets involved, thousands of supporters and activists across all 99 counties will hear why we believe Adam Steen is the right choice,” he said.
Those communications may include outreach through mail, phone calls, door knocking, and digital communication with supporters. Vander Plaats emphasized that the endorsement is about supporting Steen’s leadership rather than attacking the other Republican candidates.
“This is not against the other candidates in the race,” he said. “They are all good people. But we believe Adam Steen is the best candidate to win the governorship and lead Iowa forward.”
He also made clear that unity will be critical once the primary election is decided. “Whoever becomes the Republican nominee, we will be all in behind that nominee,” Vander Plaats said. “Our goal is to ensure strong leadership for Iowa.”
The FAMiLY Leader has demonstrated in the past that when it mobilizes its grassroots network, it can make a significant difference in key elections. Vander Plaats pointed to past efforts in judicial retention elections and targeted legislative races where the organization helped supporters organize and engage. “We know that when our supporters are informed and engaged, they can make a real impact,” he said.
As the campaign season continues, The FAMiLY Leader will keep supporters informed and encourage Iowans across the state to stay engaged in the process and help shape Iowa’s future.
