Podcast with Julie Stauch, Primary Candidate for Iowa Governor

As the saying goes, 24 hours is a long time in politics. In just one news cycle, JD Scholten dropped out of Iowa’s U.S. Senate primary and endorsed his colleague Rep. Josh Turek in the race to take on Joni Ernst. Meanwhile, in Ohio, beloved Democrat Sherrod Brown — who lost his Senate seat last cycle — announced he’ll run again, this time for the seat JD Vance left behind to become VP. For most political junkies, this is already old news (it broke just hours ago). But for the rest of us: IYMI.Julie Stauch is a political veteran in Iowa. Not as a candidate, but as someone who runs campaigns for a living. This year, for the first time, Julie Stauch has put her hat in the ring to run in the Iowa Democratic Party primary for governor. It’s a long shot, because she faces the popular Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, who has been speaking across the state and making headlines for the work he does, catching ‘accounting’ errors, and holding those who make them accountable. And, oh by the way, her opponent has a campaign war chest beyond compare. Julie Stauch: From Campaign Veteran to CandidateJulie Stauch, a longtime political strategist and campaign manager, is now stepping out from behind the curtain to run for governor of Iowa. Born in Ames and raised elsewhere before returning to Iowa for college, Stauch built her career in Mason City, where community involvement drew her into politics. She’s worked with a wide roster of candidates—Pete Buttigieg, Leonard Boswell, Michael Franken, and Maisie Hirono, among others—gaining decades of experience as a problem solver.Why She’s RunningStauch frames her candidacy around one theme: Iowa needs a problem solver. She points to her career in both politics and consulting, where she has helped organizations and campaigns build, grow, and adapt. For her, being governor isn’t about running against fellow Democrat Rob Sand or anyone else—it’s about bringing her skills directly to the state’s biggest challenges: clean water, public schools, access to healthcare, and ending eminent domain abuses.What’s Different as a CandidateAfter years of coaching others, she says running as herself feels freeing. Instead of tailoring advice to fit another candidate’s personality, she can now speak authentically. Stauch sees her campaign as a “job interview” with the people of Iowa. She introduces herself at events by saying: “I’ve applied for the job of governor, and you are the hiring committee.”Her Approach: Listening FirstRather than rolling out a platform upfront, Stauch is conducting listening sessions across the state, often organized through community college districts, which she sees as central hubs of local life. Attendees fill out worksheets, discuss concerns, and share priorities—feedback she’s compiling into a report by the end of August. She insists this isn’t “pretend listening,” but genuine engagement to rebuild trust with Iowans who feel ignored.She did mention some of her priorities, however. Key Issues Raised* Clean Water: Stauch calls water quality one of Iowa’s most urgent problems, citing both personal conviction and widespread concern she hears in meetings. She published an op-ed outlining possible solutions and stresses the need for inclusive, community-driven action.* Public Schools & Healthcare: She sees both under attack and promises to defend them.* Eminent Domain: Strongly opposes current abuses that allow private profit at the expense of landowners.* Engaging Black Iowans: Acknowledges her campaign hasn’t yet reached enough people of color but is actively working to connect through churches, community groups, and events.Party Strategy & InspirationStauch argues Democrats must shift from purely rational policy debates to emotional connections with voters. She cites Bernie Sanders as an example of someone who combines heart and clarity of purpose. Her goal is not just to register more Democrats but to motivate all Iowans—Republicans, independents, and Democrats alike—by showing respect, listening, and connecting on shared concerns.Closing NoteWhen asked why she wants to be governor, Stauch’s answer is straightforward: “I like solving problems. And we’ve got a lot of problems in Iowa.”Learn moreToday’s podcast will be an Open Show! What’s on Your Mind? Join me at noon central time, and we’ll chat. The Zoom link is below: OkobojiDid you miss my column this week where I announce an idea where those who want to come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 28-October 1, can ‘name their price’ to enroll. Thanks to the generosity of a handful of readers who have stepped up to offer financial aid, we have been able to give this deal to five participants. We have an angels in our midst who want you to come. I wish I could make it free for all, but we have a lot of expenses to put on this event for 300 people. I’m just so grateful we can make this affordable for those who need a hand. If you would like to enroll by naming your price, or donate to this effort, the information is in the column below:I am delighted to be a founding member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Did you see the Sunday roundup of posts by 30+ members of our group yesterday? IYMI: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe