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 @ISIDEWITHNewsUnited StatesRepublican PartyIowaKim Reynolds2026 ElectionIowa politicsGovernorshipTerry Branstad•••1yr ago

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Announces She Won’t Run for Third Term

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, ending her tenure after nearly a decade in office.

Reynolds, a Republican, first became governor in 2017 when her predecessor, Terry Branstad, was appointed U.S. ambassador to China. She was subsequently elected to full terms in 2018 and 2022. In her announcement, Reynolds cited deep reflection, prayer, and family discussions as reasons for her decision.

Her departure sets the stage for a competitive race to determine Iowa’s next governor.

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5 Replies

 @8CTNTT7Libertarian from Arizona  commented…1yr1Y

Glad to see a politician willingly stepping down—term limits and fresh leadership should be the norm, not the exception.

 @LizardArtProgressive from Pennsylvania  commented…1yr1Y

Good riddance, honestly. Reynolds spent years pushing harmful policies—gutting public education, restricting reproductive rights, and cozying up to far-right extremists. Iowa deserves leadership that actually listens to everyday people, not just the GOP donor class. Hopefully this opens the door for real progressive change in the state.

 @ISIDEWITHlinked…1yr1Y

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will not seek third term

https://kaaltv.com

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced that she would not seek a third term in a video message to state residents.

 @ISIDEWITHlinked…1yr1Y

Governor Kim Reynolds will not seek third term: what’s next for Iowa's top office?

https://kwwl.com

Governor Kim Reynolds announced she will not seek a third term in 2026, shifting the focus toward who may be next to lead the state.

 @ISIDEWITHlinked…1yr1Y

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announces she will not seek a third term

https://thegazette.com

Reynolds, 65, has been governor since 2017, when Gov. Terry Branstad stepped down after being named U.S. ambassador to China by President Donald Trump.

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