Iowa politicians react to Governor Reynolds’ announcement that she will not seek another term
DES MOINES, Iowa (KTIV) - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said she will not run for reelection and seek a third term on Friday morning, April 11.
Politicians from the state of Iowa are responding to this news and have released statements.
Iowa Representative Randy Feenstra praised Governor Reynolds for her tenure as Governor in the following statement:
“Serving with Governor Reynolds in the State Senate and working with her to pass the largest income tax cut in state history at the time, I saw firsthand her love for Iowa and her devotion to our families and communities. She quickly became a close friend. From the Iowa State Fair to her countless visits across the state, Governor Reynolds made a point to meet with Iowans and ensure that their voices were heard.
Her tenure as Governor exemplified the endless possibilities of bold, conservative leadership. Under her watch, she expanded school choice, invested in our rural communities, supported our biofuels industry, stood alongside our farmers, and cut taxes for our families on numerous occasions. Her record of results speaks for itself, and I wish her and her family the very best for the future.”
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley said Governor Reynolds is an outstanding leader for Iowa:
“She has delivered historic tax cuts for hardworking families including no tax on retirement income, strengthened Iowa’s workforce, championed biofuels and the farm economy, empowered families with school choice for their kids’ education and so much more. We thank her for her leadership and know her vision to keep Iowa the best place to work, raise a family and retire will continue to make a difference in the current and future legislative sessions.
Iowa voters sent a strong mandate, building on resounding victories for Republicans in the statehouse and gubernatorial races in 2018 and 2022. Republicans from the grassroots are united more than ever before to lead our state to prosperity and opportunity for generations yet to come. I have no doubt Iowans will re-elect Republicans up and down the ticket in 2026. We are hungrier than ever to keep Iowa moving in the right direction and will outwork anyone and everyone to fight for our values, our liberties and our freedoms.
Barbara and I thank Governor Reynolds for her friendship, leadership and service to the people of Iowa. She is an incredible role model and mentor to many. We wish her and Kevin the very best for years and years to come."
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst applauded Governor Reynolds’ leadership:
“Kim Reynolds has been a tremendous governor. She has transformed Iowa with her bold, conservative leadership — putting parents first, cutting taxes, and supporting hardworking farmers and families in every corner of our state. Kim’s story is an inspiration to every Iowan. No matter the challenge, she has faced it head on with grace and grit. Kim is a fighter who always puts Iowa first. As her friend, it’s been a joy to watch Kim thrive as our governor. She has sacrificed so much to do what’s best for our state. I’m truly grateful for Kim’s selfless service to the people of Iowa. May God bless her and Kevin and their beautiful children and grandchildren.”
Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver released the following statement:
“Many times I have told people Iowa has the best governor in the country and I firmly believe it is true. Together, with Speakers Upmeyer and Grassley, we have delivered truly historic results for Iowans few people could have dreamed possible.
Not only is Governor Reynolds the best governor in the country, leading the state through unprecedented times with courage and conviction, but she is also my friend. Her concern and kindness for my family and me has been so encouraging to us through many difficult days. I look forward to continuing to work with her for the rest of her term to make Iowa the best state in the best country in the world.”
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart reflects on Reynolds’ time as Governor:
“Iowa Republicans’ decade in control of state government has left Iowa 49th in economic growth and with a $900 million budget deficit thanks to taxpayer handouts to special interests and vouchers for wealthy families who already send their kids to private schools. In 2026, voters will get to hold them accountable for taking our state in the wrong direction.
It’s time to vote for a Governor who will put Iowans to work, lower costs and support our rural areas.”
Iowa Speaker of the House Pat Grassley released the statement below after Reynolds’ announcement:
“Governor Reynolds has been a bold leader for our state. She has shown remarkable courage in tackling challenging issues and always prioritized Iowans’ freedoms.
I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished together over the last six sessions. No matter what chaos we saw in Washington, D.C. or from our blue-state neighbors, we’ve kept our heads on straight in Iowa. We’ve put parents back in the driver’s seat, passed historic tax cut after historic tax cut, and kept our common sense on social issues.
As we look to the future, our state needs more of this strong leadership - someone who will keep Iowans’ freedoms at the forefront and partner with President Trump to keep Iowa strong.”
Iowa Senate President Amy Sinclair recalled some of the initiatives she worked on with Governor Reynolds:
“It has been a great honor and privilege to work with Governor Reynolds on many bold initiatives. Restoring parental rights, protecting women and girls in sports and their private spaces, lowering taxes on Iowans, and making Iowa one of the most business friendly states in the nation have all made for a monumental career as governor. I am proud to have been a part of these policies to make Iowa the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
I want to thank Governor Reynolds for her career in public service, the strong leadership she has provided to Iowa, and her dedication to Iowans across the state. I wish her, Kevin, and their family all the best as they take on the next chapter of their lives.”
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