Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, a prominent Republican leader and the state’s first female governor, announced Friday that she will not seek reelection in 2026.
Citing a desire to step back from public office to spend more time with her family, Reynolds said the decision came after considerable reflection and prayer.
Reynolds has held the governor’s seat since 2017, stepping into the role after former Governor Terry Branstad accepted a diplomatic post under then-President Donald Trump as ambassador to China.
In a video shared on social media, Reynolds reflected on her time in office.
“Serving as your governor has been the greatest honor of my life, an opportunity that not so long ago I never could have imagined,” she said.
She explained that the decision was made “with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude.”
“After a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I have decided that I will not seek reelection in 2026. This wasn’t an easy decision because I love this state,” Reynolds added.
The governor noted her choice was driven by the desire to be more present with her family.
Her husband, Kevin, was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, and Reynolds mentioned her wish to attend more of her grandchildren’s activities.
“This public service has been an incredible journey, one that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” she said.
“But as Iowans know, family is everything. And through the years, my parents, my husband Kevin, our daughters, and our grandchildren have stood by my side, supporting me through every challenge and every victory. And now it’s time for me to be there for them, to help them through the next stage of life.”
Reynolds’ relationship with Trump faced challenges during the 2024 Republican presidential primary, when she publicly supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his campaign against Trump for the party’s nomination.
In another 2026 gubernatorial development, Colorado Democrat Sen. Michael Bennet declared his candidacy for governor of his home state, setting up a high-profile contest.
With current Governor Jared Polis term-limited, Bennet enters a competitive Democratic primary that already includes Attorney General Phil Weiser, with the possibility of additional contenders.
“I’m running for governor to build a brighter future in Colorado and give people a chance at a better life. The best solutions to our challenges will not come from Washington’s broken politics. They will come from us,” Bennet said in a campaign video.
“Together, we can make Colorado the best state to live, work and raise a family in, and provide the leadership and vision our country needs.”
Bennet, reelected to the Senate in 2022, holds a secure seat until January 2029 regardless of the outcome in the gubernatorial race.
Should he succeed in becoming governor, he would have the authority to appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of his Senate term.
Meanwhile, in Oregon, Democrat Governor Tina Kotek announced that her administration would not comply with President Trump’s executive order rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in education.
The order, one of several issued by Trump following his return to office, has sparked controversy in blue states like Oregon.
“Since the start of the new federal administration, I promised Oregonians that I would not back down from a fight when it comes to safeguarding Oregon values,” Kotek said during a media event alongside the state’s education director.
“Making sure every child has the opportunity to meet their future promise with a strong public education is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government and one of my top priorities as governor,” she added.
The U.S. Department of Education has warned that federal funding could be withheld from states that do not comply with the directive to eliminate DEI programs by Sunday.
Despite that pressure, Kotek stated she instructed the state’s education officials to “hold the line” and resist implementation of the federal mandate.
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