Governor Kim Reynolds No Bid in 26. By Editor

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2026:
On April 11, 2025, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, the state’s first female governor, announced she will not seek a third term in office in 2026, marking the end of a nearly decade-long tenure that reshaped Iowa’s political landscape. The decision, shared in a heartfelt video on social media, came after months of speculation and caught many in the state’s Republican stronghold by surprise. Citing a desire to prioritize family, Reynolds reflected on her time in office with gratitude while signaling her intent to remain active through the end of her term in January 2027.
“This wasn’t an easy decision, because I love this state and I love serving you,” Reynolds said in her announcement. “After a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in 2026. It’s time for me to be there for them—to watch every track meet and basketball game, to see them grow before they’re all grown.”
Reynolds, 65, has been a towering figure in Iowa politics since assuming the governorship in 2017, following the resignation of her predecessor, Terry Branstad, who left to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China. Before that, she served as lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2017 and as a state senator from 2009 to 2011, building a career rooted in her early days as Clarke County Treasurer. Her announcement sets the stage for Iowa’s first open gubernatorial race in nearly two decades, promising a competitive Republican primary and a potential opportunity for Democrats in a state that has trended solidly red.
A Legacy of Conservative Transformation
Reynolds’ tenure as governor has been defined by bold conservative policies that aligned Iowa with national GOP priorities. She championed significant tax reforms, including a flat income tax rate of 3.8% and the elimination of taxes on retirement income, earning praise from fiscal conservatives. Her administration also prioritized education reform, most notably through the 2023 establishment of the Education Savings Account program, which provides public funds for private school tuition and related expenses. The program, now serving over 27,000 students, has been a cornerstone of her legacy, though it remains divisive among critics who argue it undermines public schools.
On social issues, Reynolds took decisive steps that solidified her standing among Iowa’s Republican base. She signed legislation restricting abortion access, including a 2023 law that sparked national attention, and in 2025, she approved a measure removing gender identity as a protected class under the Iowa Civil Rights Act—a first in the nation. Other notable policies include expanding voting rights for felons after sentence completion and enacting laws allowing state law enforcement to arrest certain undocumented migrants.
Reynolds also navigated Iowa through the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that elevated her national profile but drew mixed reactions. Her resistance to strict federal health mandates resonated with many Iowans, but polls in 2020 showed her approval ratings dipping, with some surveys labeling her among the least popular governors at the time. By 2024, however, her approval had stabilized, with a June Iowa Poll reporting 50% support, though recent Morning Consult data indicated a 49% disapproval rating—a point of contention for her critics.
National Influence and Political Risks
Beyond Iowa, Reynolds emerged as a key player in Republican politics. As chair of the Republican Governors Association in 2023, she amplified her influence, delivering the GOP response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address in 2022 and shaping national conversations on education and economic policy. Her decision to break Iowa’s tradition of gubernatorial neutrality in the 2024 presidential caucuses, endorsing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over Donald Trump, was a high-stakes move that drew both admiration and backlash.
The endorsement strained her relationship with Trump, who publicly criticized her, calling her “the most unpopular governor in America” and predicting the end of her political career. While DeSantis’ campaign faltered, Reynolds stood by her choice, emphasizing the need for forward-looking leadership. She later supported Trump as the GOP nominee, but the episode highlighted her willingness to take risks—a trait that defined her governance.
Why Step Aside?
Reynolds’ decision not to run again has sparked speculation about her motivations. In her announcement, she emphasized family, noting the sacrifices made by her husband, Kevin, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023 but has since responded well to treatment, and her three daughters and 11 grandchildren. “Family is everything,” she said, underscoring her desire to be present for them after years of public service.
Some observers point to political factors as well. Posts on X and political analyses suggest Reynolds may have anticipated a challenging primary, potentially from a Trump-backed candidate, given her DeSantis endorsement. Others note Iowa’s shifting political dynamics, with Democrats eyeing the open race as a rare opportunity. State Auditor Rob Sand, the only Democrat holding statewide office, is seen as a likely contender, having raised over $8 million in 2024, according to the Des Moines Register.
What’s Next for Reynolds and Iowa?
Reynolds made clear she intends to remain engaged through the end of her term, pledging to “finish what we started and leave Iowa in the strongest possible position for the future.” Her agenda includes bolstering the economy, supporting agriculture, and advancing her vision for government efficiency, including a state-level task force inspired by the federal Department of Government Efficiency.
The 2026 gubernatorial race is already generating buzz. On the Republican side, potential candidates include Attorney General Brenna Bird, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, and state House Speaker Pat Grassley, grandson of Senator Chuck Grassley. Brad Sherman, a former state representative and pastor, announced his candidacy in February 2025, framing his campaign around social conservatism and property tax relief. Democrats, meanwhile, are rallying around figures like Sand, with House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst arguing that Iowans are “ready to turn the page” on Reynolds’ tenure.
A Lasting Impact
Reynolds’ departure marks the end of an era for Iowa, a state she helped transform from a swing state into a Republican bastion. Supporters, including Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, lauded her as a “tremendous” and “outstanding” leader who cut taxes, empowered families, and championed rural communities. Critics, like Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart, argue her policies favored special interests.
As Iowa looks to 2026, Reynolds’ legacy will loom large. Her focus on conservative values, from school choice to tax cuts, has set a template for the state’s future, but the open race signals a new chapter. For now, Reynolds remains focused on her final two years, determined to cement her vision for Iowa while preparing to step back into a life centered on family.
“I have no doubt that Iowa and our Republican Party will remain in great hands,” Reynolds said, expressing confidence in the state’s future. As she prepares to exit the stage, her impact on Iowa—and the questions her departure raises—will shape the state’s political conversation for years to come.
Sources: Information drawn from various news reports, including KCCI, AP News, Iowa Capital Dispatch, and the Des Moines Register, as well as Reynolds’ official statements.