“We need a vision for the state,” said Narcisse, 51. “We need, I believe, leadership that will put the interest of the state above cronies.”

A personal friendship with his opponents — five-term Republican Gov. Terry Branstad and Democratic Sen. Jack Hatch — should not stand in the way of improving the state’s population base and education system, he said.

For his second attempt at the gubernatorial seat, Narcisse said recent political turmoil that has sent some campaigns reeling improve his chances.

“Eric Cantor losing proved that every …