If you're asking when is Kim Reynolds term up, the short answer is January 12, 2027. But honestly, the "how" and "why" behind her departure are way more interesting than just a date on a calendar.
Iowa has a weird relationship with time and power. For decades, we were the state that just didn't do term limits for governors. Terry Branstad stayed in office so long he practically became a permanent fixture of the golden-domed capitol. People just assumed Kim Reynolds might do the same. She’s been in the driver's seat since 2017, taking over when Branstad left for China, then winning her own full terms in 2018 and 2022.
But things changed fast.
The big 2025 announcement
Most folks expected her to run again in 2026. Why wouldn't she? She had a massive war chest and a firm grip on the state GOP. Then, on April 11, 2025, she dropped a bombshell: she’s done. She officially announced she won’t seek re-election.
It wasn't a political scandal or a primary threat that pushed her out. It was personal. Her husband, Kevin Reynolds, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023. In her announcement video—which felt way more raw than your typical political presser—she basically said she’s spent years with her family supporting her career, and now it’s time for her to be there for them.
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You can't really argue with that.
When does the clock actually run out?
So, back to the technical stuff. Her current term ends on January 12, 2027.
In Iowa, the governor’s inauguration always lands on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in January following an election. Since the next big vote is November 3, 2026, Reynolds will stay in office through the end of 2026 and hand over the keys in early 2027.
By the time she walks out of Terrace Hill for the last time, she’ll have served nearly ten years. That’s a massive chunk of time. She’s the first female governor in Iowa history, and whether you love her policies or can’t stand them, she’s completely reshaped the state’s tax code and education system during that decade.
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Key Dates for the 2026 Transition
- March 13, 2026: The filing deadline for anyone who wants her job.
- June 2, 2026: The Primary Election (where the GOP and Dems pick their champions).
- November 3, 2026: Election Day.
- January 12, 2027: Reynolds officially leaves office.
The scramble for the empty seat
Since Reynolds isn't running, 2026 is going to be absolute chaos. Iowa hasn't had an "open" gubernatorial seat (meaning no incumbent running) in nearly twenty years.
On the Republican side, it’s a total land grab. U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra is already in. So is State Representative Eddie Andrews and Adam Steen. People were waiting to see if Attorney General Brenna Bird would jump in, but she said no. Same for Speaker Pat Grassley—he’s staying put in the House for now.
Democrats are smelling an opportunity, even if the state has trended deep red lately. State Auditor Rob Sand is the big name there. He’s the only Democrat left holding statewide office, so he’s got the name recognition. He's facing off against Julie Stauch and Paul Dahl in the primary.
Why the 2026 election matters right now
Even though the "term up" date is a year away, Reynolds is effectively a "lame duck" governor. That changes the math in the statehouse. When a governor isn't running for re-election, their leverage over the legislature can start to slip.
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However, Reynolds hasn't shown much sign of slowing down. She’s still pushing her legislative agenda hard. But every Republican running to replace her has to decide: do they run as "Reynolds 2.0" or do they try to carve out their own lane?
What you should do next
If you live in Iowa or just follow the politics here, don't wait until November 2026 to pay attention. The real power move happens in June.
- Check your registration: If you’ve moved recently, update your voter registration through the Iowa Secretary of State website.
- Watch the primaries: June 2, 2026, is when the field gets narrowed down. In a state that leans Republican, the GOP primary might actually be the "real" election.
- Track the policy shifts: Between now and January 2027, watch how Reynolds uses her final months. Often, outgoing governors try to solidify their "legacy" with big executive orders or final legislative pushes.
The era of Kim Reynolds is winding down. By January 2027, Iowa will have a new face in the top office for the first time in a decade.