Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kim Reynolds

How Kim Reynolds built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kim Reynolds is the 43rd and current governor of Iowa, serving since 2017. As a member of the Republican Party, she holds the distinction of being the first female governor in the state's history. Her tenure signifies a milestone for women in Iowan politics.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1994: Elected Clarke County Treasurer

In 1994, Kim Reynolds was elected as Clarke County treasurer. Also, while she was treasurer, she was selected to attend a trip to Taipei, Taiwan with the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

November 4, 2008: Elected to Iowa Senate

On November 4, 2008, Kim Reynolds was elected to represent the 48th district in the Iowa Senate, defeating Ruth Smith and Rodney Schmidt.

2009: Served in the Iowa Senate

In 2009, Kim Reynolds began serving a partial term in the Iowa Senate, marking a step up in her political career.

June 25, 2010: Selected as Lieutenant Governor Running Mate

On June 25, 2010, Terry Branstad selected Kim Reynolds as his running mate for lieutenant governor.

November 2, 2010: Branstad/Reynolds Ticket Won General Election

On November 2, 2010, the Branstad/Reynolds ticket won the general election, securing their positions as governor and lieutenant governor.

January 14, 2011: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor

On January 14, 2011, Kim Reynolds was sworn in as the lieutenant governor of Iowa, beginning her term in the position.

2011: Became Lieutenant Governor of Iowa

In 2011, Kim Reynolds became the 46th lieutenant governor of Iowa, serving until 2017.

May 2017: Became Governor of Iowa

In May 2017, Kim Reynolds assumed the role of governor of Iowa after Governor Terry Branstad stepped down to become the United States ambassador to China.

May 24, 2017: Became Governor of Iowa

On May 24, 2017, Kim Reynolds became the governor of Iowa after Terry Branstad resigned to become the U.S. Ambassador to China, making Reynolds Iowa's first female governor.

May 25, 2017: Announced Adam Gregg as Acting Lieutenant Governor

On May 25, 2017, Kim Reynolds announced that Adam Gregg would serve as acting lieutenant governor, but not hold the official position, to avoid legal challenges after she became governor.

June 2017: Announced Campaign for Full Term as Governor

In June 2017, Kim Reynolds announced her intention to seek a full term as governor of Iowa in the 2018 election.

2017: Restored Voting Rights to Felons

From 2017 to April 2020, Kim Reynolds restored the voting rights of 543 felons, exceeding her predecessor's restorations.

2017: Became Governor of Iowa

In 2017, Kim Reynolds became the 43rd governor of Iowa, making her the first female governor in the state's history.

May 2018: Signed Bill Revamping Energy Efficiency Policies

In May 2018, Kim Reynolds signed a bill to revamp Iowa's energy efficiency policies.

2018: Won Full Term as Governor

In 2018, Kim Reynolds won a full term as governor of Iowa, securing her position in the state's leadership.

January 18, 2019: Began First Full Term

Kim Reynolds began her first full term as governor on January 18, 2019.

March 2019: Signed Bill Protecting Speech on Campus

In March 2019, Kim Reynolds signed into law a bill requiring public universities to protect all speech on campus.

December 2019: Launched Anti-Vaping Campaign

In December 2019, Kim Reynolds launched an anti-vaping social media campaign aimed at reducing vaping among Iowa youth.

April 2020: Restored Voting Rights to Felons

From 2017 to April 2020, Kim Reynolds restored the voting rights of 543 felons, exceeding her predecessor's restorations.

July 2020: Raised Minimum Age for Tobacco and Vaping Products

In July 2020, Kim Reynolds signed legislation that raised the minimum legal age to buy tobacco and vaping products to 21.

August 2020: Signed Executive Order on Felon Voting Rights

In August 2020, Kim Reynolds signed an executive order permitting felons to vote in Iowa elections upon completing their sentence, addressing the state's previously strict lifetime ban.