‘I’m probably not the candidate for you’: Iowa GOP hopeful tells voter in Ring’s on-camera exchange on women’s rights
A dashing camera recently caught a head-scratching moment when Heather Stephenson, a Republican candidate for the Iowa House, was out campaigning in her hometown.
In the video, shared on TikTok by political news organization Iowa Starting Line, Stephenson introduces herself to a potential supporter. She is heard saying, “My name is Heather Stephenson, and I’m running for House District 42 in November,” before explaining that “education,” “reducing property taxes,” and keeping the community “safe” are her top issues. .
The moment changes, however, when he asks a potential supporter what his top problem is. The citizen replies, “Probably women’s rights,” and the candidate replies, “Well, I’m probably not a candidate then,” and walks out of the area without even trying to find something similar. .
Yes, abortion is an issue on many people’s minds this election season—which may be where the conversation finally turns. However, there are no shortage of issues that can fit into the category of “women’s rights.”
“Women’s rights” can raise concerns about fair and equal pay, maternity leave policies, health care, and much more. However, Stephenson chose not to discuss anything that might be on women’s minds this election season. By walking away without further discussion, Stephenson seems to be suggesting that she is unwilling to discuss those issues with a voter, even as a woman herself.
According to Stephenson’s website, lowering taxes is the most urgent issue on his agenda. “Property taxes are rising faster than they should,” the page said. “Iowans pay an average of 1.5% of their home value per year in property taxes. Lower property taxes make home ownership in Iowa more affordable. “Iowa can continue the work of providing tax relief by limiting spending,” it concluded. In closing with the video that is now being broadcast, there is no mention of women’s rights or issues that specifically affect women anywhere on his site.
While sharing the Ring cam video raises privacy concerns for the candidate (or anyone, really, standing next to a friend or neighbor’s house), the video is making the rounds today. Homeowners are allowed to record anything that happens in public outside their homes; however, privacy laws on recordings may vary from state to state.
Ben Polakoff, a Maryland-based real estate attorney, tells Fast company that there is always some exception to the authorization to record someone, especially if there is “a reasonable expectation that it is a private conversation.” There are certainly privacy issues with security cameras that point directly into someone’s property and may be recording inside their home or in an apparently private area. Another common example of illegal recording is “that of a very loud conversation that can be heard through the walls or outside an open window,” Polakoff said.
Regardless, the video has now been shared and circulated widely, and many commenters were quick to point out that this moment is not a good look for the candidate. “I find Heather Stephenson’s anti-feminist stance offensive and offensive,” commented one senior commentator. Another wrote, “Anyone in Iowa . . . if you’re not making this a tv commercial, you’re missing a nugget!” The clip currently has over 232K views and 39.1K likes. It’s drawing attention to the Republican campaign, but it’s probably not the kind any candidate wants to get.
Fast company reached out to Stephenson’s campaign for comment but did not immediately hear back by press time.
