Governor Kim Reynolds is not running for reelection, setting up a wide open race in Iowa in 2026.
Reynolds first became governor in 2017 after Gov. Terry Branstad was appointed as ambassador to China. She was reelected twice in 2018 and 2022.
In a video statement released Friday morning, Reynolds said she is stepping aside at the end of her term to give back to her family that has supported her political career.
"Now it’s time for me to be there for them. To help them through the next stage of life. To see every track meet and basketball game. To see them grow before they’re all grown," Reynolds said.
Reynolds has led a Republican trifecta in state government since becoming governor. She has used it to enact a broad restructuring of state agencies, to expand charter schools and education savings accounts and to establish a flat income tax.
Former state representative Brad Sherman is the only Republican who has previously announced plans to run for governor. On the Democratic side, Paul Dahl of Webster City is the only candidate who has announced plans to run for governor so far.
Northwest Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra in a release said Reynolds has performed well as governor.
According to Morning Consult, with a minus-5 percent net approval rating, Reynolds is the nation's most unpopular governor, and the only governor nationwide with a majority of disapprovals over approvals.
