"It will be a pretty stiff primary competition," Schulte said.
Fong, who is running as a Republican, may face early difficulty due to his limited name recognition, according to Schulte.
Increasing name recognition is a priority for the campaign, she said. Other important efforts include fundraising, a task Fong said was going "very well."
"All our initial expectations and goals have been met," he said.
Iowa is recovering from massive flooding that overtook the state in Summer 2008 and is coping with the effects of a severe budget crisis, Fong said, citing the floods as a major factor in his decision to run for governor. Recovery efforts following the 2008 flood, which was the fourth largest natural disaster in national history, continues to be a key issue in the gubernatorial campaign, Fong said.
Fong contributed up to 40 hours per week as president and CEO of the volunteer organization Corridor Recovery during flood recovery efforts, in addition to working full time as managing director of Capital Markets at AEGON USA Realty Advisors, according to The Daily Nonpareil.
His leadership role in relief efforts allowed Fong to recognize the weaknesses of the state's disaster response, Schulte said. Government officials deliberated more than necessary during the floods, according to Fong, rather than proactively responding to the situation. If elected, Fong said, he will work to improve the state's response to natural disasters.
Fong also cited his educational background, business experience and prior public service as qualities that will set him apart from other candidates.
"I'm not used to taking on jobs that I don't think I can accomplish," Fong said. "In deciding whether or not to run, I have to consider not only, Am I passionate enough to do a good job?' but also, Can I win?'"
Although Fong lacks the political experience of some of his counterparts, Schulte said, he is more adept at reaching across party lines.
"He's a real uniter of people," she said. "The flood is not a partisan event ... Other candidates have more experience but are more one-sided."
Fong said his campaign strategy will resonate with Iowa's electorate, noting that Iowa politics are not "celebrity-driven."
"I just want to get out and meet Iowans, and respond to them with a vision," he said.
