Inside Iowa Politics: The surprise from Gov. Kim Reynolds and what it means

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) - Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, surprised a lot of people late Friday morning when she announced that she would not seek re-election in 2026.

Reynolds, a former Clarke County treasurer, state senator, and lieutenant governor, has served as governor since 2017 and is the only woman in the state’s history to hold the position.

“After a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I have decided that I will not seek re-election in 2026,” Reynolds said in her video.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, because I love this state and I love serving you. But, when my term ends, I will have had the privilege of serving as your governor for almost 10 years. And before that, as lieutenant governor and state senator.”

In February, Reynolds said that she would run on her record.

And when asked if she was announcing her re-election campaign at the time, she told reporters, “Stay tuned.”

One Republican already announced that he would run next year. Brad Sherman, a pastor in Williamsburg and former one-term state representative, announced his campaign in February.

Other Republicans most mentioned by party insiders as possible candidates now that Reynolds is not running:

• Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird
• Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig
• Iowa U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson
• Iowa U.S. Representative Zach Nunn
• State Senator Mike Bousselot of Ankeny

Chris Cournoyer is currently Iowa’s lieutenant governor.

About the author: Midwest native Dave Price is Gray Television’s Iowa Political Director for nine stations that broadcast in the state and has been covering local, state and national politics from Iowa since 2001.

Dave produces and hosts “Inside Iowa Politics,” a weekly, in-depth show focused on interviews with top leaders on politics, issues, challenges and solutions that impact the state.

He has written two books about the Iowa Caucuses (“Caucus Chaos” and “Caucus Chaos Trump”). Email him at dave.price@gray.tv. Follow him on X (Twitter): @idaveprice Meta/Facebook: DavePriceNews Instagram: idaveprice and LinkedIn: Dave Price.

Dave welcomes your thoughts on what answers to seek from politicians and decisionmakers and what issues challenge our communities.