Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced today, Friday April 11th, she will not run for re-election in 2026, ending nearly a decade in office and opening the door for what is expected to be a hotly contested Republican primary in the red state. “After a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in 2026,” Reynolds said in a video message posted online. She cited a desire to spend more time with her family, including her husband Kevin, who was diagnosed with cancer last year and remains in remission.
Reynolds, Iowa’s first female governor, rose to office in 2017 after then-Governor Terry Branstad was appointed U.S. ambassador to China. She was elected to full terms in 2018 and 2022. Her time in office has been marked by aggressive conservative reforms, including a six-week abortion ban, universal school choice, and removing gender identity from the state’s civil rights code.
Speculation around her successor is already mounting. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, Rep. Ashley Hinson, and other prominent Republicans are seen as potential contenders. Former state lawmaker Brad Sherman is the only declared candidate so far.
Reynolds’ exit will also test Republican strength in a state that has steadily shifted to the right under her leadership. “I have no doubt that Iowa and our Republican Party will remain in great hands,” she said.