Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has made headlines this week by asserting she is not going to search re-election in 2026, bringing an finish to her historic tenure because the state’s first feminine governor. Reynolds, 65, revealed the information in a heartfelt video message, stating that serving as Iowa’s governor has been the ‘best honour of my life’—however it’s now time to place her household first.
Her determination comes amidst her husband Kevin Reynolds’ ongoing battle with most cancers, a journey that has deeply impacted the couple’s life and priorities. This is every little thing it is advisable learn about Kim Reynolds’ determination to step down, her political legacy, private background, and the way her husband’s well being has performed a task in her future plans.
Why Kim Reynolds Is Not Searching for Re-election
Governor Reynolds introduced her determination on 11 April 2025 through a YouTube video, stating that she wouldn’t run once more after her present time period ends. The governor defined that the selection, although troublesome, was rooted in a need to be extra current for her family members.
‘Now it is time for me to be there for them. To assist them by way of the subsequent stage of life. To look at each monitor meet and basketball sport; to see them develop earlier than they’re all grown,’ she mentioned within the video.
Reynolds acknowledged the super assist she has obtained from her household over time and expressed that it was time to return that assist. She additionally famous that she’s assured within the continued success of the state and the Republican Social gathering in Iowa.
Kevin Reynolds’ Most cancers Analysis
A key issue influencing her determination has been the well being of her husband, Kevin Reynolds, who was recognized in 2023 with non-small cell lung most cancers—a stunning analysis given that he’s a non-smoker. Talking to Gray Media, Governor Reynolds shared that they first seen one thing was flawed when Kevin skilled debilitating again ache throughout the Iowa State Honest.
Since his analysis, Kevin has undergone each radiation and immunotherapy. Remarkably, the tumour—which had reached the dimensions of a golf ball—has since dissolved. Although at the moment in remission, Reynolds described the most cancers as a situation they now handle like a power sickness.
‘We discuss it being in remission and treating it like a power sickness,’ she mentioned, whereas expressing gratitude for his continued restoration.
Her Political Journey and Historic Position
Reynolds started her political profession because the Clarke County Treasurer and went on to serve within the Iowa Senate. In 2010, she was elected as Lieutenant Governor alongside Governor Terry Branstad, ultimately succeeding him when he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to China in 2017.
She was elected to a full time period in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Throughout her time in workplace, she championed conservative insurance policies, together with universal school choice, main tax reforms, and expanded entry to psychological well being companies, together with the state’s first Youngsters’s Psychological Well being System.
Her management prolonged past Iowa, with roles within the Republican Governors Affiliation, American Workforce Coverage Advisory Board, and extra.
Age, Web Value and Private Life
Born on 4 August 1959, Kim Reynolds is at the moment 65 years previous. She has been married to Kevin Reynolds since 1982. The couple share three daughters and are proud grandparents to 11 grandchildren.
Whereas her precise internet value is just not publicly confirmed, sources estimate it to be within the vary of £800,000 to £1.2 million (USD 1 million to USD 1.5 million), based mostly on her long-standing political profession, talking engagements, and the couple’s property.
Editor’s word: This determine is derived from publicly accessible data associated to Governor Kim Reynolds’ time in workplace and isn’t linked to the SEC filing for a different individual with the same name, which pertains to a company insider unrelated to the governor.
Meet Kevin Reynolds: Iowa’s First Gentleman
Kevin Reynolds was born in Osceola, Iowa, and raised on a 500-acre household farm. A profile on the governor’s website highlights his ardour for conservation and public service. He spent greater than three many years working for the U.S. Division of Agriculture earlier than retiring in 2017.
As Iowa’s first-ever First Gentleman, Kevin has centered on preserving Terrace Hill—the state’s historic Governor’s Mansion—and advocating for pure useful resource training throughout Iowa. An avid outdoorsman, he stays deeply invested in environmental points akin to water high quality and soil well being.
Response From Political Leaders
Information of Reynolds’ determination prompted an outpouring of assist from fellow Republican leaders. Senator Joni Ernst described her as a ‘fighter who at all times places Iowa first,’ whereas Senator Chuck Grassley praised her as an ‘unimaginable function mannequin and mentor.’
Each senators acknowledged her contributions to reworking Iowa’s political and financial panorama, and prolonged their greatest needs to her and Kevin within the years to come back.
What Comes Subsequent for Iowa?
Although Reynolds will proceed in her function till her time period ends in 2026, the race to succeed her has already begun. One potential candidate is Williamsburg pastor Brad Sherman, who served a time period within the Iowa Home and announced his candidacy earlier this yr.
Sherman, who knowledgeable Reynolds of his intentions final autumn, mentioned: ‘I wished her to know that I am doing this primarily as a result of I really feel like God’s main me to.’
Reynolds herself is just not slowing down within the meantime. ‘We now have vital work forward—preserving our financial system robust, supporting our households and farmers, defending our freedoms,’ she affirmed in her announcement video.
A Legacy of Service
Governor Kim Reynolds leaves behind a legacy outlined by firsts and resilience. From Clarke County Treasurer to Iowa’s first lady governor, she has formed state politics for over a decade with a mix of conservative values and pragmatic management.
Whereas she could also be stepping away from public workplace, her affect might be felt lengthy after 2026—each by way of the insurance policies she enacted and the generations of Iowans she impressed.
Together with her husband’s well being now a central precedence, Reynolds closes this chapter with gratitude and charm: ‘I couldn’t have completed this with out you. Iowans have positioned their belief in me, and I’ve completed my greatest to honour that belief daily.’
Certainly, as she prepares to exit the political stage, Governor Reynolds’ journey stands as a testomony to public service grounded in household, religion, and perseverance.
