Iowa governor Kim Reynolds does not run for re -election

Iowa’s first female governor will not strive for re -election.

Kim Reynolds made the announcement on Friday morning in a video on the YouTube page of her campaign and said: “When her governor was the greatest honor of my life – an opportunity that I could never have imagined too long ago.”

Video above: Iowa governor Kim Reynolds signs hands -free operator bill into the law

The 65 -year -old Reynolds was sworn in in 2017 as an Iowa governor after Terry Branstad resigned to become the US ambassador in China. After more than 22 years in the office over two terms of office (1983-1999; 2011-2017), the longest governor of the country remains.

Reynolds, who had her start to politics as a treasurer in the largely rural Clarke County in South -Iowa, was served as governor of Iowa from 2011 to 2017 and is Iowa’s first governor.

In 2018 she was elected to her first time and defeated the Democrat Fred Hubbell and re -elected in 2022 after defeating the democratic opponent Deidre Dejear.

Reynolds said she left his office after years of her family, in which she supports her and now said: “It’s time for me to be there for her.” Her husband, Kevin Reynolds, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023. In her state of the state in January, she said that his cancer had remained in remission.

Reynolds said that she “has no doubt that Iowa and our Republican party will remain in large hands” and notes the “Foundation of a strong conservative leadership that will continue to serve this state well”.

See Reynolds’ full video

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Full transcription from Reynolds’ video

“When her governor was the greatest honor of my life – an opportunity that I could never have imagined too long ago.

When I entered the public service in the Treasurer of Clarke County for the first time, I never expected that one day I have the privilege of leading this large state.

And I would never have imagined the things we would reach together.

But Iowa is a place where everything is possible, and forever, I am grateful for the trust you have included in me.

Today I would like to share a personal decision with you. One that was not made lightly, but with a full heart and a deep feeling of gratitude.

After a lot of considerations, prayer and discussions with my family, I decided that I will not be looking for a re -election in 2026.

This was not an easy decision because I love this state and I love to serve you. But when my term ends, I have the privilege for almost 10 years to serve as your governor. And beforehand as a governor and senator of the lieutenant.

This public service was an incredible journey – one would not act against anything, but since Iowan know that the family is everything.

Over the years, my parents and my husband Kevin, our daughters and our grandchildren have stood by my side and supported me with every challenge and every win.

Now it’s time for me to be there for you. To help them during the next phase of life. To see every track meeting and every basketball game; They grow to see before they all grow up.

That doesn’t mean I’m getting slower. I will work hard for you every day until my term ends.

We have important work in advance – we have our economy strong, support our families and farmers, defend our freedoms and ensure that every Iowan has the opportunity to be successful.

I am more energetic than ever to end what we have started and to leave Iowa in the best possible position for the future.

And when I speak of the future, I have no doubt that Iowa and our Republican party will remain in large hands.

Together we have built a basis for a strong conservative leadership that will continue to serve this state well. I have seen the passion and commitment of so many managers first -hand, and I am confident that the next generation will continue to build on our success.

Iowa is a special place and it is up to our people and values. The hard work, the resilience and the sense of community that defines us – that makes iowa exceptional.

For everyone who supports me, supported me, pushed me and worked with me – thank you very much.

I couldn’t have done that without you. Iowan trusted me and I did my best to honor this trust every day.

The upcoming road is light and I will always cheer for this state and its people.

Thank you, Iowa. God bless you and God bless the great state of Iowa.