Politics
NEW: Popular GOP Governor Stuns Supporters, Announces She Won’t Run For Re-Election
Iowa’s political future just became a whole lot more uncertain.
In a move that caught many Republicans off guard, Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) announced Friday that she will not seek a third term in 2026. The popular GOP leader, who cruised to reelection in 2022 by 18 points, shared the decision in a heartfelt video message, citing family and personal priorities as the driving factors behind her departure from political life.
“Serving as your governor has been the greatest honor of my life,” Reynolds said. “An opportunity that not so long ago I never could have imagined. When I first entered public service in the Clark County Treasurer’s Office, I never expected that one day I would have the privilege of leading this great state.”
“After a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in 2026,” she said. “This wasn’t an easy decision, because I love this state and I love serving you.”
“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,” she said. “I’m more energized than ever to finish what we started and to leave Iowa in the strongest possible position for the future.”
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The governor’s departure will also test the strength of the Iowa GOP bench. While the party has enjoyed success in recent cycles, Reynolds was widely seen as a unifying figure with broad support. Her exit may create space for primary jostling and an opening for Democrats not seen in over a decade.
“I have no doubt that Iowa and our Republican Party will remain in great hands,” she said. “Together we have built a foundation of strong conservative leadership that will continue to serve this state well.”
With nearly a decade as governor and a prior stint as lieutenant governor and state senator, Reynolds leaves behind one of the most successful Republican careers in modern Iowa history.
“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,” she said.
“To all of you who have supported me, pushed me and worked alongside of me, a heartfelt thank you,” she said. “The road ahead is bright and I will always be cheering for this state and its people. So thank you, Iowa. God bless you, and God bless the great state of Iowa.”
With the governor’s mansion now wide open in 2026, all eyes have quickly turned to the Democratic side of the aisle. State Auditor Rob Sand—arguably the party’s most viable statewide figure—is widely expected to enter the race.
Sand remains the only Democrat to win a statewide race in Iowa during the 2022 midterms, surviving a Republican wave that saw Reynolds and longtime Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) both win by double digits.
Adding intrigue to a potential Sand candidacy is the financial muscle he would bring. His family, through his wife and in-laws, has nearly $8 million in campaign resources ready to deploy. That kind of financial backing would instantly make the race a toss-up, especially with Reynolds stepping aside.
