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In a surprise announcement Friday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she will not seek a third term in office in 2026. Reynolds, a Republican, has held the position since 2017, when former Gov. Terry Branstad was appointed U.S. ambassador to China. She was elected to full terms in 2018 and again in 2022. In a video posted to social media, Reynolds said it wasn't an easy decision. Reynolds is the state’s first female governor. Shortly after the announcement, Iowa political leaders began responding:U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley"Governor Kim Reynolds is an outstanding leader for Iowa. She has delivered historic tax cuts for hardworking families including no tax on retirement income, strengthened Iowa's workforce, championed biofuels and the farm economy, empowered families with school choice for their kids’ education and so much more. We thank her for her leadership and know her vision to keep Iowa the best place to work, raise a family and retire will continue to make a difference in the current and future legislative sessions."Iowa voters sent a strong mandate, building on resounding victories for Republicans in the statehouse and gubernatorial races in 2018 and 2022. Republicans from the grassroots are united more than ever before to lead our state to prosperity and opportunity for generations yet to come. I have no doubt Iowans will re-elect Republicans up and down the ticket in 2026. We are hungrier than ever to keep Iowa moving in the right direction and will outwork anyone and everyone to fight for our values, our liberties and our freedoms."Barbara and I thank Governor Reynolds for her friendship, leadership and service to the people of Iowa. She is an incredible role model and mentor to many. We wish her and Kevin the very best for years and years to come."U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst“Kim Reynolds has been a tremendous governor. She has transformed Iowa with her bold, conservative leadership — putting parents first, cutting taxes, and supporting hardworking farmers and families in every corner of our state."Kim’s story is an inspiration to every Iowan. No matter the challenge, she has faced it head on with grace and grit. Kim is a fighter who always puts Iowa first. "As her friend, it’s been a joy to watch Kim thrive as our governor. She has sacrificed so much to do what’s best for our state."I’m truly grateful for Kim’s selfless service to the people of Iowa. May God bless her and Kevin and their beautiful children and grandchildren."Full video: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announces that she won't seek reelection in 2026U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn“Kim is a friend and a leader —importantly she remains an inspiration for my daughters and girls across our state. "Governor Reynolds led Iowa to prosperity with commonsense, solutions from tax cuts to economic growth. She helped me fight human trafficking & fentanyl in Iowa, balance our state’s budget and help make Iowa one of the best places to raise a family. I salute her continued service. Our next Governor will take the reins of a state well positioned to continue Iowa as a model of success for the nation.”U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson“Governor Kim Reynolds is the best governor in America. Iowa has been blessed by her leadership, and I have been blessed by her friendship. The impact she leaves will be immeasurable and countless lives have been made better because of her tireless service. "I join every Iowan in saying thank you — we are all grateful for your love of Iowa and your dedication to our state. The next governor no doubt has big shoes to fill — we need a governor who can build on Governor Reynolds’ tremendous success and partner with President Trump to keep Iowa growing.” U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra “Serving with Governor Reynolds in the State Senate and working with her to pass the largest income tax cut in state history at the time, I saw firsthand her love for Iowa and her devotion to our families and communities. She quickly became a close friend. From the Iowa State Fair to her countless visits across the state, Governor Reynolds made a point to meet with Iowans and ensure that their voices were heard.Her tenure as Governor exemplified the endless possibilities of bold, conservative leadership. Under her watch, she expanded school choice, invested in our rural communities, supported our biofuels industry, stood alongside our farmers, and cut taxes for our families on numerous occasions. Her record of results speaks for itself, and I wish her and her family the very best for the future.”U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks "Governor Reynolds has been a tremendous advocate for Iowa and I am proud to call her my friend."A trailblazer as the state’s first female governor, Iowa is better today because of Governor Reynolds. Under her leadership, Iowa became one of the best managed states, cutting taxes, shrinking bureaucracy, and creating a national model for efficient and effective government. And Iowa is now one of the best states to retire in."We must continue her legacy of bold conservatism and advocacy for the Hawkeye State."Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann “Gov. Reynolds has been a generational leader for our state and party. Under her bold, conservative leadership, Iowa now sits as one of the best states in the entire country. Taxes are low, cash reserves are full, our freedoms defended, and Iowa’s future has never been brighter. I want to thank her for her friendship, service, and for being the leader Iowa needed. I know she is not done yet, and she will never stop being a leader in our party."Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart“Iowa Republicans’ decade in control of state government has left Iowa 49th in economic growth and with a $900 million budget deficit thanks to taxpayer handouts to special interests and vouchers for wealthy families who already send their kids to private schools. In 2026, voters will get to hold them accountable for taking our state in the wrong direction."It’s time to vote for a Governor who will put Iowans to work, lower costs and support our rural areas.” Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand"Public office is a demanding path in a way that few truly understand. I wish Gov. Reynolds and her family well in retirement."Iowa GOP Co-Chair Linda Upmeyer “Governor Reynolds is a fighter, and I was blessed to work alongside her to pass major legislation that transformed our state. Gov. Reynolds has left her mark on Iowa and our party, and we will be forever grateful for her service and leadership. Iowa’s future is bright because of the path Gov. Reynolds created."Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver“Many times I have told people Iowa has the best governor in the country and I firmly believe it is true. Together, with Speakers Upmeyer and Grassley, we have delivered truly historic results for Iowans few people could have dreamed possible."Not only is Governor Reynolds the best governor in the country, leading the state through unprecedented times with courage and conviction, but she is also my friend. Her concern and kindness for my family and me has been so encouraging to us through many difficult days. I look forward to continuing to work with her for the rest of her term to make Iowa the best state in the best country in the world.”Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley"Governor Reynolds has been a bold leader for our state. She has shown remarkable courage in tackling challenging issues and always prioritized Iowans’ freedoms."I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished together over the last six sessions. No matter what chaos we saw in Washington, D.C. or from our blue-state neighbors, we’ve kept our heads on straight in Iowa. We’ve put parents back in the driver's seat, passed historic tax cut after historic tax cut, and kept our common sense on social issues."As we look to the future, our state needs more of this strong leadership - someone who will keep Iowans' freedoms at the forefront and partner with President Trump to keep Iowa strong."House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst “Iowans are ready to turn the page on Kim Reynolds’ legacy of division and politics. "After a decade of failed leadership, there’s a reason Reynolds is the least popular Governor in America: Iowans are worse off than they were a decade ago. "It’s time for a governor who will build an economy that works for everyone. It’s time for a governor who knows that public money is for public schools. It’s time for a governor who will bring balance and common sense back to Iowa. "It’s time for a governor who will put people over politics.”Former Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg"I want to extend my gratitude to Governor Reynolds for her many years of service to our great state. When her service is complete, she will have left an indelible mark on our state, and we are fortunate to have had her leadership during some very challenging times. I was privileged to have a unique view of her service and sacrifice, and I’m proud to have been part of her team. She is a great friend, mentor, leader, and a very special person. I wish her and her family all the best!"Republican Governors Association communications director Courtney Alexander“Thanks to her bold vision and conservative leadership, Governor Reynolds delivered transformational results for Iowa. From cutting taxes to making the state a leader for educational freedom, Governor Reynolds has spent each day dedicated to giving every Iowan the opportunity to succeed, and we look forward to seeing her continue to do so over the next two years. The Republican Governors Association thanks Governor Reynolds for her service and we are confident that Iowa will continue to remain in Republican control."Democratic Governors Association communications director Sam Newton“Even former RGA Chair Governor Kim Reynolds knows she can’t defend her party’s destruction of the economy and extreme, unpopular agenda for the next two years. In addition to leaving behind a failed record of corruption, gutting public education, and banning abortion, Gov. Reynolds has thrown the wide-open GOP field for governor into complete chaos. We look forward to holding Iowa Republicans accountable as this competitive race ramps up because Iowa families deserve a new governor who will restore balance and actually focus on fixing the biggest problems facing working families.” "As governor, Reynolds made it a top priority to undermine and attack public schools and strip away fundamental freedoms, doing nothing to bring costs down or support hardworking Iowans – even rejecting tens of millions of dollars to help families with the high cost of groceries and to feed kids during the summer. "Reynolds also knew she would be facing a challenge from within her party, after Republicans have accused her of turning Des Moines into a “swamp.” Her history feuding with Donald Trump after endorsing Ron DeSantis in the 2024 presidential primary didn’t help, either, and caused repeated headaches for the RGA."Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner“After 10 years under Gov. Reynolds, the state faces budget deficits, a runaway private school voucher program, an unemployment system that leaves workers hung out to dry, contracting GDP, and a history of culture wars pushing Iowans away.“Iowans deserve leadership that prioritizes their needs and concerns, will rebuild the damage wrought by this administration, and truly gives working Iowans a better deal."Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig“Gov. Kim Reynolds has been an unwavering champion for Iowa agriculture, our farmers, and rural communities. She will stand among the most successful and impactful leaders in our state’s history. From cutting taxes on hard-working Iowans and streamlining state government to expanding access to biofuels and giving parents a choice in their child’s education, her legacy is that of a leader who always kept her focus on enhancing freedom and making Iowa more prosperous for all. "As she concludes this final term, I know she will continue to confidently lead while adding victories for Iowans to her long list of accomplishments. I join with countless others who will miss her passionate and enthusiastic leadership, and I extend my heartfelt thanks for everything she has done to serve Iowans. Jaime and I wish her, Kevin and the whole family well in her next chapter.” Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.