Adam Steen

Adam Steen has been the subject of multiple controversies related to campaign finance and political conduct. In February 2024, the Wisconsin Ethics Commission found probable cause that his 2022 state assembly campaign committee, Friends of Adam Steen, engaged in an illegal scheme to bypass campaign contribution limits by funneling donations through county Republican parties. Investigative reports alleged Steen directed supporters to earmark contributions to the Langlade, Chippewa, and Florence County Republican parties, which then transferred funds to his campaign. The Commission referred the matter for criminal prosecution to district attorneys, citing potential violations of state campaign finance law. Additionally, in 2026, Steen faced criticism during his Iowa gubernatorial campaign for his involvement in a failed effort to remove political opponent Eddie Andrews from the ballot. Reports indicated that Steen’s campaign staff coordinated with a donor to challenge Andrews’ petition papers, and Steen personally pressured Andrews to withdraw from the race. Steen initially denied involvement in the petition challenge, but subsequent reports stated that campaign staffers were identified as the parties responsible for reviewing the petition documents.