Randy Feenstra

Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Steen said he would work to expand Iowa's school-choice program to homeschool families if elected, promising to protect the program, "no ifs, ands or buts."

"School choice only works if it's a real choice," he said during a Monday, April 20, news conference from the Capitol. "Parents deserve the freedom to choose the educational environment that aligns with their values, their faith and the goals for their children."

Iowa's Education Savings Account program provide about $8,000 to help cover the costs of accredited nonpublic education for any Iowa child, regardless of the family's ability to pay. It is not available to families who homeschool their children.

"I would love to provide the option for homeschool families, if they so choose," Steen said.

He said he's not concerned about expanding the price tag of a program that cost taxpayers about $327.9 million during the 2025-26 school year.

"The money is there," Steen said. "And Republicans have budgeted very well. So I'm not concerned about budget issues at all."

Steen's announcement came after perceived Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Randy Feenstra said private schools that get ESA money should have to accept every child who applies.

"I am supportive of the idea of ESAs," Feenstra told the Westside Conservative Club April 8. "I just will say this, is that every school has to make sure they take every child. Right? If we have to compete on a level playing field, the playing field has to be level all the way. That's so important."

The comment has drawn pushback from some Republicans in the Iowa Legislature, and Steen has been especially forceful in his denunciation.

"Randy, when you say everyone should be welcome into Christian private schools, do you mean the children with two mothers? What about the mentally ill transgender students?" he posted to social media.

Steen said he would be eager to discuss the issue in a debate and criticized Feenstra for declining to attend a televised Republican gubernatorial primary debate hosted by Iowa PBS.

"As it seems, the Democrats and Randy Feenstra agree that government should encroach on the decisions of our independent, private and Christian schools," Steen said at the news conference. "It's insanity at the highest level."

Democrats in the Iowa House recently riled up their Republican counterparts by using Feenstra's comments to urge passage of an amendment requiring private schools to accept all applicants.

And Rob Sand, the lone Democrat running for governor, has also acknowledged Feenstra's comments.

"Republicans are finally admitting it: It's not about a student or a parent’s 'school choice' — they want it to be 'the PRIVATE school's choice,'" he wrote on social media. "My position is simple: If you take public dollars, you should take the public."

Feenstra's campaign spokesperson, Billy Fuerst, said in a statement that Feenstra "is the clear and commanding frontrunner in this primary election because he’s a proven conservative with a record of delivering results for Iowa."

"Randy remains focused on earning the support of every Iowan and stopping extreme liberal Rob Sand from turning Iowa into California, Illinois or Minnesota," he said.

The June 2 primary election for governor will feature five candidates, including Steen, Feenstra, state Rep. Eddie Andrews, businessman Zach Lahn and former state Rep. Brad Sherman.

The winner will take on Sand in November.

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. She writes about campaigns, elections and the Iowa Caucuses. Reach her at [email protected] or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR.