Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds revealed Friday that she will not seek re-election in 2026, ending her tenure just short of a decade in office. Reynolds, who became governor in 2017 after serving as lieutenant governor, cited careful consideration and family discussions in her decision.
“Serving as your governor has been the greatest honor of my life an opportunity I once never imagined,” Reynolds said in a social media video. “After much thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I’ve decided not to run again. This wasn’t easy because I love Iowa and serving its people.”
Reynolds rose to prominence as Terry Branstad’s running mate in 2010 and assumed the governorship when Branstad left to become ambassador to China under President Donald Trump. She won two subsequent elections, championing conservative policies such as school vouchers, anti-transgender legislation, strict abortion limits, and income tax cuts. Recently, she advocated for a state-level efficiency department modeled after Elon Musk’s federal initiative.
Her departure creates a major opportunity in Iowa, which has trended Republican in recent years. Democrats last won the governor’s race in 2006 and a Senate seat in 2008. While the state’s congressional delegation is entirely GOP, competitive House races remain. Democrats hope to capitalize on voter fatigue with Republican dominance, mirroring strategies that worked in other red states like Kansas.
Reynolds’ exit also follows her controversial endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over Trump in the 2024 Iowa GOP caucuses, drawing sharp criticism from the former president.
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