If you’re wondering who is governor of Iowa, you’re looking for Kim Reynolds. She’s the 43rd person to hold the job and, notably, the first woman ever elected to it. But honestly, just knowing her name doesn't really give you the full picture of how Iowa is being run right now. It's a bit more complicated than a simple Wikipedia entry.
She didn't just appear out of nowhere. Reynolds actually climbed the ladder from being a county treasurer to the state senate, then became Lieutenant Governor. When Terry Branstad—the longest-serving governor in U.S. history—left to be the Ambassador to China back in 2017, she stepped into the spotlight. Since then, she’s won two full terms on her own merit.
The Big Shift: Why Everyone Is Talking About Her Now
Right now, in early 2026, the political vibe in Des Moines is kinda intense. Why? Because Reynolds made a massive announcement back in April 2025: she isn’t running for re-election. This makes her a "lame duck," though she’s acting anything but. She’s currently pushing through some of the most aggressive legislative changes the state has seen in decades.
👉 See also: Trump on Gun Control: What Most People Get Wrong
She has been a champion of what she calls "universal school choice." Basically, this allows public money to follow students to private schools. It’s been a huge point of contention. Supporters say it empowers parents; critics argue it’s gutting the public school system that Iowa was once famous for.
Breaking Down the Reynolds Record
If you look at the raw numbers, her tenure has been defined by three main things:
✨ Don't miss: Trump Eliminate Department of Education: What Most People Get Wrong
- Tax Cuts: She’s managed to move Iowa toward a flat tax system. As of early 2026, the state income tax is sitting at a flat 3.8%. That’s a huge drop from the nearly 9% it was just a few years back.
- Government Overhaul: She signed a bill that basically consolidated state agencies. We’re talking about shrinking 37 cabinet-level departments down to 16. It was a massive bureaucratic "diet."
- Conservative Social Policy: From abortion bans to restricted books in schools, she has leaned hard into the cultural zeitgeist of the modern Republican party.
You’ve probably seen her on national news, too. She gave the GOP response to the State of the Union a few years back, and for a while, she was the "it" person for vice presidential speculation. She ultimately endorsed Ron DeSantis in the 2024 primaries, which was a bold move that put her at odds with the Trump wing of the party for a minute.
Who is in the Governor's Office Today?
Besides Reynolds, the office is shaped by her new Lieutenant Governor, Chris Cournoyer. You might remember that her previous LG, Adam Gregg, stepped down to lead the Iowa Bankers Association. Cournoyer brings a heavy focus on STEM and technology, which aligns with the state's push to become more than just a "corn and pigs" economy.
🔗 Read more: Trump Derangement Syndrome Definition: What Most People Get Wrong
What Happens Next?
Since Reynolds is finishing her final term, the race to replace her is already a circus. On the Republican side, you have names like Randy Feenstra and Eddie Andrews throwing their hats in the ring. On the Democratic side, State Auditor Rob Sand is the big name everyone is watching. He’s been a consistent thorn in the side of the current administration, often using his auditing powers to question how the state spends its money.
The Current Outlook:
- Term Ends: January 12, 2027.
- Next Election: November 3, 2026.
- Key Issues: Carbon pipelines, school funding, and the "flat tax" fallout.
If you’re trying to stay informed on Iowa politics, you should definitely keep an eye on the upcoming June 2026 primaries. That’s where the real battle for the soul of the state is going to happen.
Actionable Insights for Iowans
- Check Your Registration: With the 2026 election cycle heating up, make sure your voter registration is current through the Iowa Secretary of State website.
- Track the Vouchers: If you're a parent, look into the Education Savings Account (ESA) deadlines. The rules for who qualifies for private school funding change every year as the program phases in.
- Watch the Budget: Follow the "Condition of the State" address usually held in January. It’s the best way to see exactly where Reynolds plans to spend the remaining surplus before she leaves office.
Keeping up with who is governor of Iowa means more than knowing a name; it’s about watching the massive shift in how the state functions before a new leader takes the oath in 2027.