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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds: This is merciless
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds discusses the state’s education reform movement and reports that former President Donald Trump is considering her for his education secretary in “Ingraham’s Angle.”
Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds will not seek reelection in 2026 after nearly a decade of working in the best office.
In a video announcement released Friday, Reynolds thanked the Iowans for their support throughout their political careers, saying they will not focus on their families in search of another term as governor.
“Today, I want to share my personal decision with you. It wasn’t made lightly, but I have a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude. After many thoughts, prayers and conversations with my family, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2026,” she said.
Reynolds began her political career in the Clark County Treasurer’s office before winning the election as a state senator and later as state lieutenant governor.
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Iowa Republican Government Governor Kim Reynolds was interviewed by Fox News Digital on August 11, 2023 at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa.
She has been governor since 2017, during that time. Terry Branstad was confirmed by the US Senate as China ambassador during President Donald Trump’s first term. Reynolds was elected to a full term as governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
“This wasn’t an easy decision because I love this situation and I love serving you,” Reynolds said in a video posted on social media. “But once my term was over, I would have had the privilege of serving as your governor for almost ten years.”
Reynolds says his work is not finished yet, calling her time “the greatest honor of my life” “I am committed to working hard every day for you until my term is over.”
“This public service was an incredible journey. I didn’t trade anything, but as Iowans know, family is everything,” she said. “For many years, my parents, my husband, my daughter and our grandchildren have stood by me, supporting me through every challenge and every victory. Now is the time I am there for them.”
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Jimmy Center, an Iowa-based Republican strategist who served in the Reynolds administration, said that “her governor is historic” because she is more than the first woman to Iowa governor.
“It’s more than her agenda. It’s about what she accomplished as governor. She was bold. She went out and sold her vision and handed it over,” the center told Fox News.
Nicole Singlinger, a longtime conservative strategist based in Iowa and Washington, D.C., has been well connected to evangelical groups, but said Reynolds is “a change governor.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will speak at a press conference at the State Capitol in Des Moines, Iowa on January 31, 2024 (AP Photo/Charlie Neighborgole, File)
But Shringer told Fox News: “Kim Reynolds put a lot of things on hold in her life for Iowa. If you’re trying to decide what you’re doing to be re-election in 2026, it’s time for you to make that decision.”
The Republican Governors Association (RGA) praised Reynolds for “her bold vision and conservative leadership,” saying it “has brought about transformative results for Iowa.”
Iowa, once a major general election battlefield state, has been red over the past decade, with RGA communications director Courtney Alexander saying, “I am confident that Iowa will continue to control the Republican Party.”
But the Rival Democratic Governors Association (DGA), which pointed to Trump’s sweeping and controversial agenda last three months before the White House, said, “Even former RGA chair Gov. Kim Reynolds knows she can’t protect the party’s economy.
“In addition to the ban on corruption failures, public education and abortions, Governor Reynolds has cast a wide-open GOP field for the governor into complete disruption,” said Sam Newton, Director of Communications at DGA.
Following Reynolds’ announcement, there was immediate speculation that Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, current President Donald Trump, who spoke during the 2024 campaign and spoke at the Republican National Convention last summer, might bid for the governor.
Iowa State Attorney General Brennabard will speak on the second day of the Republican National Convention held at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on July 16, 2024 (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Byrd praised Reynolds in a statement posted on social media, but added that she and her husband “consider what this decision means for our future.”
“I am grateful for the encouraging calls I have already received. I am committed to continuing my work on behalf of the Iowans and supporting President Trump,” she added.
Among the Republicans who may be interested in the possibility of running in 2026 to take over Reynolds at the Governor’s office in Des Moines is longtime state Agriculture Secretary Mike Nygue. Grandson of state Sen. Pat Grassley, longtime Sen. Chuck Grassley and R-Iowa. All four members of Iowa’s Allgop Congressional Delegation – Marian Net Millermeek (IA-01), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Zachnun (IA-03), and Randefence Strato (IA-04).
The other two names mentioned are Matt Whitaker, who ran statewide and statewide in Iowa but is known nationwide for serving as U.S. Attorney General for several months during the first Trump administration and is now known nationwide for serving as NATO’s US representative. Bobby Kaufman, the son of longtime Iowa GOP chair Jeff Kaufman.
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Longtime Republican strategist David Cochell, who has worked in Iowa politics for decades, noted that Republicans have a “deep bench.”
Regarding the Democratic governor’s appointment, speculation is rampant with Iowa auditor Rob Sand, Hawkeye’s only democratic statewide office holder.
Pointing to Iowa’s shift to the right in the recent election cycle, Reynolds said the GOP “holds big hands” as the next generation of Iowa Republicans are built on her legacy.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will appear at a campaign event held in Bettendorf, Iowa on December 18, 2023, along with 2024 GOP presidential candidate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey DeSantis.
Reynolds has continued to be a leadoff contest in the White House race on the GOP Calendar, with her national profile rising throughout her previous tenure as RGA chair in recent years and welcoming Republican presidential candidates to Iowa’s first presidential caucus.
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In the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race, Reynolds’ support was coveted by the busy GOP primary field. Reynolds eventually approved Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and repeatedly joined the campaign trail towards the Caucus.
Deirdre Heavey is a political writer for Fox News Digital.
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