[2] From 1992 to 1996, he attended the University of Iowa and graduated in 1996 with a BA majoring in political science, journalism and mass communication.

[2] From 1999 to 2003, he attended the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America, received his JD in 2003, and became a member of the Maryland Bar Association in 2004.

[1][6] Under the direction of Republican Governor Terry Branstad, Strawn ran for reelection unopposed in 2011, for another two-year term.

[6] Following the 2012 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses held on 3 January 2012, Strawn resigned in February 2012.

[7][8] In June 2013, he co-founded the Chicago based Next Generation Public Affairs with Pat Brady and businessman Bob Fitzsimmons and remained with the firm until December 2018.