Iowa Landowners Announce Results of Candidate Survey on Property Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 15, 2026
Iowa Landowners Announce Results of Candidate Survey on Property Rights
Many Iowa candidates support removing the power of eminent domain for carbon pipelines; concerns remain about candidates who didn’t respond to the survey
Des Moines, IA. — Today, Iowa landowners released the results of a Property Rights Candidate Survey to help voters understand which candidates support property rights, which candidates don’t, and which candidates didn’t care enough to complete the survey about one of the top issues in the state.
The survey, sent to candidates for US Senate, US House, Governor, State Legislature and some county-level races, consisted of 5 simple questions about their beliefs on eminent domain for carbon pipelines, property rights, and how they will govern, if elected.
Landowners received responses from 66 candidates, including Gubernatorial candidates Zach Lahn and Rob Sand, US Senate Candidate Josh Turek, 40 State House Candidates, and 9 State Senate.
“I am happy to see so many candidates on our side, but what stands out most are those that didn’t fill it out, and won’t go on the record. Eminent domain, carbon pipelines and property rights are one of the biggest issues in the state. Their silence speaks volumes - especially those who have voted against us in the past.” said Pat Mennenga, Bremer County Landowner.
“There are lots of candidates out there claiming to support property rights, but I think just about everyone could say that. The devil is in the details. Do they support eminent domain for carbon pipelines, what have they done to help so far, and are they willing to stand up to leadership if they are elected? That’s what Iowans and landowners have been demanding for over 5 years.” said Don Johannsen, Cherokee County Landowner.
“The Governor’s race is so important because they can direct the legislature to put our eminent domain bill on their desk and sign it, unlike Governor Reynolds in 2025. This Governor also has the opportunity to appoint two new Iowa Utilities Commissioners (IUC) – who we believe were Governor Reynolds’ and Summit’s political appointments – midway through the Summit hearing process. The next Governor must meet with us about who should be appointed to the IUC and should make those appointments before the hearings on the Ida and Floyd dockets take place in February and March, respectively,” said Kathy Carter, Floyd County Landowner.
View Iowa Candidate Survey Responses Here:
https://www.iaeasement.org/news/iowa-candidate-survey-view-results
Press Conference Recording:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2588644381598958