In a surprising move Friday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced she will not pursue a third term in office. Reynolds, a Republican, ascended to the governorship in 2017 following Terry Branstad’s appointment as U.S. ambassador to China. She secured full terms in both 2018 and 2022.
“This decision wasn’t easy, as I deeply love this state and serving its people,” Reynolds expressed in a video shared on social media. “However, by the end of my term, I will have had the honor of serving as your governor for nearly a decade.” With her departure, next year’s gubernatorial race in Iowa will be the first in nearly 20 years without an incumbent candidate.
Reynolds cited family commitments as a primary reason for stepping down, highlighting the necessity to support her husband, Kevin Reynolds, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023. Fortunately, the cancer was reported in remission earlier this year.
Reynolds began her political journey as treasurer of Clarke County, a small community in southern Iowa, and went on to become Iowa’s first female governor. She served in the Iowa Senate beginning in 2008 and was Branstad’s running mate in the lieutenant governor race in 2010.
Over her tenure, Iowa’s political landscape has shifted significantly. Once a supporter of Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns, the state solidly backed Donald Trump in all his presidential runs. Under Reynolds’ leadership, Republicans gained substantial majorities in the Iowa legislature, allowing her to advance key priorities.
Reynolds embraced the national spotlight, delivering the GOP response to President Biden’s congressional address and chairing the Republican Governors Association. She made waves in 2023 by breaking with the tradition of neutrality in presidential caucus races, notably endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over Trump.
She often highlighted Iowa’s conservative policies, winning approval for educational savings accounts that benefited over 27,000 students in the latest school year. Reynolds secured $314 million for the program in the next budget year. Additionally, she championed policies on transgender student rights regarding bathrooms and sports team participation and recently signed a controversial bill removing gender identity protections from the state civil rights code.
A priority during her administration was to streamline Iowa’s government agencies to enhance efficiency, leading critics to compare her efforts with the federal Department of Government Efficiency. Reynolds also convened a special legislative session in 2023 to pass a restrictive six-week abortion ban, now law.
Following her announcement, praise from Iowa’s Republican leaders poured in, highlighting accomplishments in tax reduction and workforce expansion. “Taxes are low, reserves are full, and Iowa’s future has never been brighter,” Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann stated.
The upcoming primary poses a major opportunity for Republicans to introduce new leadership after more than a decade of governance under Reynolds and Branstad. Reynolds’ campaign funds totaled nearly $3 million, signaling her active political presence.
Brad Sherman, a pastor and former state representative, previously announced his gubernatorial candidacy prior to Reynolds’ decision. Meanwhile, Iowa Democrats see her withdrawal as a chance for change. “Voters are eager to redirect the state,” noted Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart.
While stepping down, Reynolds expressed confidence in Iowa’s future under Republican guidance, thanks to the “foundation of strong conservative leadership that will serve the state well.”