Elected Governor of Iowa
Editor's Note: Kim Reynolds was elected to her first full term as governor of Iowa on November 6. She is the state's first female governor.
By Lori Leonard Reyman
IowaFRW 1st VP, PR Chair | NFRW PR Vice Chair
In Iowa, tremendous Federation of Republican Women role models abound, including the state’s first female governor, Kim Reynolds. An IowaFRW member for 27 years, Gov. Reynolds said she first realized the importance of the work that Federation members do when she was a motor vehicle clerk in Clarke County, Iowa. “I saw that the women in the county, and really across the state, are the do’ers. We help all the way around, with whatever’s needed. We truly are the grassroots of the party.”
Gov. Reynolds’ political career took her from the county courthouse to the Statehouse, and with each new role her appreciation for the work the Federation does took on broader meaning. “Eventually I became the recipient of that involvement and hard work. I got to meet firsthand a lot of great people in the Federation and I’m just so grateful.”
“Governor Reynolds is the face of our organization,” said IowaFRW President Gloria Mazza. “She has proven herself as a leader at all levels of government and we couldn't be more proud she is a member. When we talk about glass ceilings being broken, Republican women in Iowa are smashing them all, with firsts in many leadership roles.”
Reynolds has worn many hats throughout her career, including those most precious to her: wife, mother and grandmother. Before she entered politics, she worked at a Younkers department store restaurant as a waitress, and as a checker at a Hy-Vee grocery store. From there she went to the Clarke County courthouse, where in addition to her stint as motor vehicle clerk, she won election to county treasurer. In 2008, she ran for Iowa State Senate, where she served until 2010 when former Gov. Terry Branstad tapped her as his running mate. They won their election and she served as Iowa lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2017.
In 2017, Branstad, the longest-serving governor in the history of the United States, resigned to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China. Reynolds has served as governor since June 2017 and currently faces her first gubernatorial election campaign. She was unopposed in Iowa’s Primary election and faces a wealthy and extremely well-funded Democrat opponent in November.
“The IowaFRW will put the full force of the Federation behind Governor Reynolds, to make sure she is elected in November,” Mazza added. “Governor Reynolds’ work ethic, moral compass and tireless devotion to improving the lives of Iowans is exactly what this state needs. We will do everything we can to make sure she is riding at the top of the red tsunami that will sweep Iowa in November.”
Gov. Reynolds’ top priorities as governor are creating good-paying jobs, cutting taxes, investing in public schools, and increasing opportunity in every part of Iowa.
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