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Representative Eddie Andrews has announced his run for Iowa Governor. As a Republican he doesn’t align with his party’s lock step on everything, specifically the glyphosate shield law and eminent domain use for carbon pipeline companies. He also discusses mental health and property taxes, and ESA transparency.
Rep. Andrews discusses his take on issues, but also expands on his focus on mental health in the state of Iowa. Having someone in his own family that has struggled with mental health, and public schools he addresses the issue from a first hand account. He also explains how mental health services can be expanded despite his desire to cut Iowa property taxes that would typically pay for such an increase.
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Eddie Andrews on Mental Health, Education, and Taking an Independent Path as a GOP Candidate
Representative Eddie Andrews has officially entered the race for Iowa Governor, and in this episode of The Iowa Podcast, he sits down with host Justin Brady to chart his vision for the state. Though a Republican, Andrews isn’t afraid to buck party orthodoxy—publicly opposing the glyphosate shield law (SF 394) and the use of eminent domain for carbon pipeline projects. “That kind of protection only comes when there’s an error… I think that is the wrong direction,” he says about pesticide manufacturer immunity, adding pointedly, “property rights are a cornerstone of our republic.”
A deeply personal topic for Andrews is Iowa’s mental health crisis. Drawing from firsthand experience within his own family, he describes how these challenges drove him to run for office. “It was all about mental health, and my family, and why we can’t get enough good service for care,” Andrews shares. He connects the crisis to parenting shifts, technology dependence, and health factors, noting that even public policy must account for how children are now raised and educated.
Despite his goal to reduce property taxes, Andrews lays out a compelling case for increased mental health funding, highlighting programs already underway. “We are in fact increasing funding… One of the things I fought for was to expand the psychiatric residency programs at the University of Iowa.” He emphasizes practical approaches: better discharge planning, integrated behavioral and substance abuse services, and continuity of care—all designed to prevent vulnerable Iowans from cycling through hospitals or jails.
Expanding Education Options While Addressing ESA Accountability
Education policy is another flashpoint in the conversation. As a supporter of Iowa’s ESA (Education Savings Account) bill, Andrews grounds his support in personal experience. When public school couldn’t meet his son’s needs, private education became essential. “It’s not that we were against public schools. It’s that for my kid, that wasn’t working,” he says.
Andrews is also open to reforms in transparency and oversight for ESA funds. While defending the structure of the ESA system as distinct from vouchers, he adds, “Transparency is a disinfectant in government.” He entertains the idea of audits or tax credits for homeschoolers and reiterates that the goal is not to undercut public schools—but to empower parents to choose what’s best for their children.
On land use and environmental policy, Andrews is firm: he opposes the Iowa Utilities Board’s greenlighting of eminent domain for private carbon pipelines and is currently one of 39 Republican lawmakers suing the Board.