Gov. Reynolds will not seek reelection in 2026

By Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will not seek reelection in 2026, she announced in a video Friday, April 11.

Reynolds has served as governor since 2017, when she was appointed to the position after serving as lieutenant governor under former Gov. Terry Branstad, who left the position to serve as U.S. ambassador to China during President Donald Trump’s first term. Reynolds was elected to serve a full-term as governor in 2018 and was reelected in 2022.

Reynolds, the first woman to serve as Iowa governor, said in a video posted on social media Friday that deciding not to run “wasn’t an easy decision,” but she planned to focus on her family after completing her current term in office.

“As Iowans know, family is everything,” Reynolds said. “And through the years, my parents and my husband Kevin, our daughters and our grandchildren, have stood by my side, supporting me through every challenge and every victory. And now it’s time for me to be there for them, to help them through the next stage of life, to watch every track meet and basketball game, to see them grow before they’re all grown.”

The governor’s husband, Kevin Reynolds, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023. In 2024, Gov. Reynolds said that her husband was in remission after radiation and chemotherapy treatments and was able to return to activities like hunting, fishing and spending time with the couple’s family. The couple has three daughters and 11 grandchildren.

During her time as governor, Reynolds has pushed for a flat income tax and lowering tax rates, enacting the Education Savings Account program to provide public funds for private K-12 school tuition and associated costs, and making changes to Iowa’s Area Education Agencies that provide special education and other services to Iowa schools.

This year, Reynolds signed into law a measure repealing civil rights protections on the basis of gender identity under the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

Despite her decision to not run again in 2026, Reynolds says she is not “slowing down just yet” and will continue for her remaining time in office to work on issues she said will help improve Iowans’ lives.

“We have important work ahead, keeping our economy strong, supporting our families and farmers, defending our freedoms and ensuring that every Iowan has the opportunity to succeed,” Reynolds said. “I’m more energized than ever to finish what we started, and to leave Iowa in the strongest possible position for the future.”

After her announcement, Iowa Republicans shared their gratitude for Reynolds’ service as governor. State Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver said in a news release he looks forward to continuing to work with Reynolds for the rest of her term.

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson said in a statement she joins “every Iowan in saying thank you — we are all grateful for your love of Iowa and your dedication to our state.”

“The next governor no doubt has big shoes to fill — we need a governor who can build on Governor Reynolds’ tremendous success and partner with President Trump to keep Iowa growing,” Hinson said.

Who will run for governor in 2026?

It has yet to be determined who might run as the Republican nominee for governor in the upcoming 2026 general election.

One Republican, Brad Sherman, a former GOP state representative, announced in February his bid for the position, but others are expected to join the race. Sherman thanked Reynolds for her service to the state in a Friday news release and said he was ready to become the next Republican gubernatorial candidate, with plans to announce endorsements from state legislators and county elected officials.

“I am running to serve the people of Iowa with courage, clarity, and common sense,” Sherman said in a statement. “With Governor Reynolds stepping aside, I am fully prepared to lead our party into the next chapter.”

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has been put forward as a potential contender — Trump said Bird would be a good governor for the state following his victory in the 2024 Iowa caucuses.

In a statement Friday, Bird thanked Reynolds for her work as governor and for her “unwavering support” during the 2022 election, when she was first elected after defeating longtime Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller.

Bird said she and her husband “will pray and consider what this decision means for our future” following the governor’s announcement, suggesting she is weighing a gubernatorial run.

The governor said in her video she believes the Iowa Republican Party is in a strong position heading into the next election.

“I have no doubt that Iowa and our Republican Party will remain in great hands,” Reynolds said. “Together, we have built a foundation of strong conservative leadership that will continue to serve this state well. I’ve seen firsthand the passion and dedication of so many leaders, and I am confident that the next generation will continue to build on our success.”

Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann said in a social media post that the governor has put Iowa in a strong position moving forward.

“Gov. Reynolds has been a generational leader for our state and party,” Kaufmann wrote. “Under her bold, conservative leadership, Iowa now sits as one of the best states in the entire country. Taxes are low, cash reserves are full, our freedoms defended, and Iowa’s future has never been brighter.”

After Reynolds’ announcement, Democrats criticized the results of Reynolds and Republicans’ trifecta control at the Iowa Statehouse.

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst said in a statement “Iowans are ready to turn the page on Kim Reynolds’ legacy of division and politics.”

“After a decade of failed leadership, there’s a reason Reynolds is the least popular governor in America: Iowans are worse off than they were a decade ago,” Konfrst said. “It’s time for a governor who will build an economy that works for everyone. It’s time for a governor who knows that public money is for public schools. It’s time for a governor who will bring balance and common sense back to Iowa.”

Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, the only Democrat to currently hold statewide elected office in Iowa, is expected to run for governor. The Des Moines Register reported Sand had raised more than $8 million in 2024, raising expectations for a 2026 gubernatorial bid. Sand wished Reynolds and her family well in a social media post.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said in a statement Friday the 2026 election will give Iowans a chance to show their displeasure with controversial policies supported by Republicans.

“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,” Hart said. “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 Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com.