Why He’s Running
After 25 years serving Dubuque County through the law, Steve believes the next step is serving the community as County Attorney.
Throughout his career, he has represented victims, defendants, and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. He has worked alongside law enforcement, appeared in courtrooms across Iowa, taught other attorneys, and advised on issues affecting the justice system.
Those experiences have reinforced one belief: justice works best when it is guided by fairness, integrity, and thoughtful leadership.
“I’m running because I believe the people of Dubuque County deserve a County Attorney who brings experience, sound judgment, and a commitment to serving the entire community.”
Watch Steve explain, in his own words, why he’s running for County Attorney:
As County Attorney, Steve’s priorities include:
- Building safer communities through smart, effective prosecution
- Ensuring crime victims are heard and treated with dignity
- Protecting due process and the integrity of the justice system
- Using taxpayer resources responsibly
- Providing experienced legal guidance to county government
- Handling every case ethically, effectively, and efficiently
Get to Know Steve
Steve grew up outside Iowa City before attending Kirkwood Community College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. He went on to graduate with honors from the University of Iowa, earning a bachelor’s degree in Religion before completing his Juris Doctor at the University of Iowa College of Law.
He has called Dubuque home for the past 25 years.
Steve and his wife, Allison, have been married for 28 years and are proud parents of three children—a stepson, a daughter, and a son—and grandparents to three grandchildren. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, reading, traveling with his wife, and visiting his parents whenever he can.
One of the most meaningful chapters of Steve’s life came when he found his biological family at age 29. Learning that they were from Dubuque made the city an even more meaningful place to build both his career and his life. Today, he treasures relationships with both his adopted and biological families.
A Career Built on Public Service
Steve’s interest in criminal law began long before he entered a courtroom.
While participating in a law enforcement explorers program during college, he heard a prosecutor describe the responsibility of serving the public through the justice system. That experience inspired him to attend law school and pursue public interest law.
After graduation, Steve began his legal career advocating for domestic violence survivors at Iowa Legal Aid. Although he considered both prosecution and legal aid work, he found himself drawn to protecting victims and ensuring the justice system worked fairly for everyone.
When he opened his own law practice in 2007, he discovered a passion for criminal litigation and trial work. Over the past 25 years, Steve has handled cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to Iowa’s most serious felony offenses. His work has included representing defendants, advocating for victims, arguing appeals, and appearing in jury trials throughout Iowa.
That breadth of experience has given him a unique understanding of the justice system—from the perspectives of victims, defendants, law enforcement officers, and taxpayers alike.
As Steve explains:
“I really like using my training and experience to help my community and the people in it solve problems. I’ve always been passionate about just and fair outcomes. There are few things as satisfying as taking a complex issue, helping a client, and seeing their relief when the problem is solved.”
Experience Beyond the Courtroom
Throughout his career, Steve has remained active in Iowa’s legal community. He has taught fellow attorneys, served in leadership roles within state and local bar associations, and contributed his experience to improving the practice of law in Iowa. Those experiences reflect both his commitment to the profession and the respect he has earned from colleagues across the state.
Committeed to Serving his Community
For Steve, public service has never stopped when the workday ends.
Over the years, he has volunteered on numerous boards and commissions that have helped strengthen the Dubuque community.
- He served on the board of Operation: New View for 15 years, including three years as board chair, where he helped guide the organization’s successful merger with HACAP.
- He also served on the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority, collaborating with local governments throughout the county to solve regional environmental challenges.
- As a member of the Resilient Community Advisory Commission, Steve worked with fellow volunteers to advise the City of Dubuque on issues involving economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
Every one of these roles was performed as a volunteer—reflecting Steve’s longstanding belief that serving the community means showing up wherever help is needed.
A Record of Civic Leadership
Steve also served two consecutive terms as Chair of the Dubuque County Democratic Party from 2017 through 2021.
Working alongside volunteers, candidates, and community leaders, he helped strengthen local Democratic organizing, encouraged civic participation, and supported candidates committed to serving Dubuque County.
He believes healthy communities are built when more people get involved, listen to one another, and work together to solve problems.
Leadership Through Listening
When asked what serving Dubuque has taught him about leadership, Steve doesn’t talk about authority.
He talks about listening.
“Leadership is about humility and service, not about giving orders. We all have different life experiences and can learn from each other.”
Throughout his career, Steve has managed law offices, supervised attorneys, and led volunteer organizations. He believes good leaders take responsibility for mistakes, help others succeed, and never stop learning from the people around them.
Looking Ahead
Steve says one thing people often don’t learn from his résumé is how much he simply enjoys learning.
“I love learning every day. I get truly excited learning new things. I also enjoy serving, and when I’m asked to help out, my inclination is to say yes.”
For Steve, serving as Dubuque County Attorney is another opportunity to put that mindset into practice—helping solve problems, protecting public safety, and serving the community he has proudly called home for the past 25 years.
Learn More
Want to learn more about Steve’s campaign, priorities, or upcoming events?
Visit Steve’s campaign website: drahozalforjustice.org
Or follow his campaign on social media to stay up to date throughout the election.