DES MOINES, Iowa — On Monday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced the appointment of state Senator Chris Cournoyer as her new lieutenant governor, following the resignation of her previous deputy, Adam Gregg, who stepped down to lead the Iowa Bankers Association. This change comes a little over three months after Gregg’s departure from office.
Cournoyer, who has served in the Iowa Senate since 2018, has a solid foundation in technology, with a degree in computer science and experience in website design as well as working for a tech company. In her role as a senator, she held the position of chair for the Education Budget Committee and was the vice chair of the State Government Committee.
In a statement highlighting her appointment, Reynolds emphasized Cournoyer’s strong character, judgement, and capability necessary to lead in her absence, adding that these attributes also make her an excellent support for daily operations. Reynolds expressed enthusiasm for utilizing Cournoyer’s wealth of knowledge in essential legislative areas, including Ways and Means, as well as her skills in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence to address matters of importance to Iowa residents.
Cournoyer hails from LeClaire, located in eastern Iowa.
Reynolds previously praised Gregg as a “tremendous partner” in her administration. He had been in office for over seven years before resigning on September 3, stating that his tenure in public service was coming to an end. The Iowa Bankers Association immediately announced Gregg’s new role as president and CEO on the same day of his resignation.
According to state law, the governor is required to appoint a successor to fill the lieutenant governor position for the remainder of the current term. Reynolds mentioned to reporters in early October that she intended to make a decision regarding Gregg’s replacement after the forthcoming 2024 election. By appointing Cournoyer at the end of the year, she will allow her to acclimate before participating in Reynolds’ annual condition of the state address when the legislative session resumes in January.
Reynolds indicated her desire to make a careful choice that would benefit both her team and Iowans, emphasizing her intention to be thoughtful in the process. She is eligible for reelection in 2026 and is expected to share the ballot with Cournoyer if she chooses to run again.
Reynolds previously served as the lieutenant governor under former Governor Terry Branstad, ascending to the governorship in 2017 when Branstad was appointed as the U.S. ambassador to China. She has since been elected to a full term in 2018 and successfully reelected in 2022.
After her ascension to governor, Reynolds designated Gregg as her “acting” lieutenant governor amid legal uncertainties regarding the Iowa Constitution’s provisions on succession in the event the elected governor could no longer serve. Until their inauguration in 2019, Gregg was not included in the line of succession. In the November election, voters in Iowa approved a constitutional amendment allowing for the appointed lieutenant governor to have authority in such matters, clarifying the process for future appointments.