Wagner was appointed to the three-member Iowa Utilities Board by Gov. Terry Branstad to a term effective May 24, 2013, and ending April 30, 2019. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) reappointed Wagner in 2019.Wagner served in this position until his resignation in July 2020 to pursue other professional opportunities.

Committee assignments

• 2011-2012

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Wagner served on the following committees:

• Appropriations, Vice Chair
• Commerce
• Local Government, Chair
• Subcommittee on Administration and Regulation (Joint Appropriations)

• 2009-2010

In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Wagner served on the following committees:

• Commerce
• Local Government, Ranking Member
• Subcommittee on Administration and Regulation Appropriations
• Transportation
• Ways and Means