Kim Reynolds

Kim Reynolds is an American politician currently serving as the 43rd governor of Iowa, a position she has held since 2017. A member of the Republican Party, Reynolds is notable for being the first female governor in the history of Iowa. Her political career spans various roles, including treasurer of Clarke County, a state senator, and lieutenant governor before ascending to the governorship. Throughout her tenure, she has been involved in significant legislative initiatives and has navigated various political challenges.

Early life and career

Kimberly Kay Strawn was born on August 4, 1959, in St. Charles, Iowa. She completed her high school education at the Interstate 35 Community School District in 1977. Following high school, Reynolds pursued higher education at Northwest Missouri State University, where she studied business, consumer sciences, and clothing sales and design, although she did not complete a degree at that institution. In the late 1980s, she continued her education at Southeastern Community College and later took accounting classes at Southwestern Community College from 1992 to 1995.

In 2012, Reynolds began taking classes in the bachelor of public administration program at Upper Iowa University. Her educational journey culminated in December 2016 when she was awarded a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from Iowa State University, which included concentrations in political science, business management, and communications.

Reynolds's political career began in 1994 when she was elected as the treasurer of Clarke County, a position she held for four consecutive terms. During her tenure as treasurer, she was selected to join the American Council of Young Political Leaders for a trip to Taipei, Taiwan, which provided her with international exposure and experience in governance. In 2008, she transitioned to state politics by winning a seat in the Iowa Senate, representing the 48th district. Her election campaign was successful against Democratic nominee Ruth Smith and independent candidate Rodney Schmidt. During her time in the Senate, Reynolds endorsed a ban on same-sex marriage in Iowa, reflecting her alignment with certain conservative values.

Governorship

Reynolds's path to the governorship began when she was selected as the running mate for Republican gubernatorial nominee Terry Branstad in 2010. The Branstad-Reynolds ticket won the general election, and Reynolds was sworn in as lieutenant governor on January 14, 2011. In this role, she co-chaired several initiatives, including the Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Advisory Council, and served on various boards, including the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress and the Military Children Education Coalition. In July 2015, she was elected chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

On May 24, 2017, Reynolds became governor of Iowa following Branstad's resignation to become the United States ambassador to China. As the first female governor of Iowa, her elevation to this role marked a significant milestone in the state's political history. Shortly after taking office, Reynolds announced her intention to seek a full term in the 2018 gubernatorial election.

In the 2018 election, Reynolds faced Democratic nominee Fred Hubbell and Libertarian candidate Jake Porter. Her campaign was marked by controversy, particularly regarding her association with Representative Steve King, who co-chaired her campaign despite his history of controversial remarks. Ultimately, Reynolds won the election, securing approximately 50% of the vote. She continued her political journey by winning reelection in 2022 against Democratic nominee Deidre DeJear, receiving around 58% of the vote.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout her governorship, Reynolds has focused on various legislative initiatives that reflect her political priorities and the interests of her constituents. She has signed legislation aimed at providing educational vouchers, which has been a point of contention in discussions about public education funding. Additionally, she has supported measures related to voting rights for felons and Second Amendment rights, aligning with broader Republican values.

Reynolds's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic received mixed reviews, with her approval ratings declining in 2020 as the state navigated public health challenges. Her administration's response to the pandemic included various public health measures and economic support initiatives, though the effectiveness of these actions has been debated.

In 2023, Reynolds signed a six-week abortion ban into law, a significant legislative move that positioned Iowa among states with restrictive abortion policies. This decision has drawn both support and criticism from various advocacy groups and constituents. Additionally, in 2025, she signed a bill that repealed anti-discrimination protections for transgender individuals, making Iowa the first state to remove such protections for any group, which has sparked significant public discourse about civil rights and social equity.

Reynolds has maintained a close relationship with the Iowa pork industry, reflecting her commitment to agricultural interests in the state. In a notable political moment, she delivered the Republican response to President Joe Biden's 2022 State of the Union Address, further establishing her presence on the national political stage.

As of April 11, 2025, Reynolds announced that she would not seek reelection in 2026, indicating a potential transition in her political career. Her tenure as governor has been characterized by significant legislative actions, political challenges, and a focus on key issues affecting the state of Iowa.