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. A Republican, she holds the distinction of being the first female governor in Iowa's history. Before becoming governor, Reynolds served as the lieutenant governor under Terry Branstad. Reynolds' political career has focused on issues relevant to Iowa, and she has held various roles in state government prior to becoming governor.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1994: Elected Clarke County Treasurer

In 1994, Kim Reynolds was elected as the Clarke County treasurer.

November 4, 2008: Elected to Iowa Senate

On November 4, 2008, Kim Reynolds was elected to represent the 48th district in the Iowa Senate.

2009: Served in Iowa Senate

In 2009, Kim Reynolds began serving a partial term in the Iowa Senate.

June 25, 2010: Selected as Lieutenant Governor Candidate

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

November 2, 2010: Won General Election

On November 2, 2010, the Branstad/Reynolds ticket won the general election.

January 14, 2011: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor

On January 14, 2011, Kim Reynolds was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Iowa.

2011: Became Lieutenant Governor of Iowa

In 2011, Kim Reynolds became the 46th Lieutenant Governor of Iowa.

July 2015: Elected Chair of NLGA

In July 2015, Kim Reynolds was elected chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA).

May 2017: Became Governor of Iowa

In May 2017, Kim Reynolds became the Governor of Iowa after Terry Branstad stepped down.

May 24, 2017: Became Governor of Iowa

On May 24, 2017, Kim Reynolds became governor of Iowa after Terry Branstad's resignation.

May 25, 2017: Appointed Acting Lieutenant Governor

On May 25, 2017, Kim Reynolds announced that Adam Gregg would serve as acting lieutenant governor.

June 2017: Sought Full Term as Governor

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

2017: Restored Felon Voting Rights

From 2017 to April 2020, Reynolds restored the voting rights of 543 felons.

2018: Won Full Term as Governor

In 2018, Kim Reynolds won a full term as the Governor of Iowa.

January 18, 2019: Began First Full Term

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

March 2019: Signed Free Speech Bill

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 to reduce vaping among Iowa youth.

March 9, 2020: Proclamation of Disaster Emergency Signed

On March 9, 2020, Kim Reynolds signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2020: Restored Felon Voting Rights

From 2017 to April 2020, Reynolds restored the voting rights of 543 felons.

July 2020: Raised Minimum Age for Tobacco

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

November 2020: Mask Mandate Implemented After Election

After the November 2020 election, Kim Reynolds ordered the mandatory wearing of masks at large gatherings in Iowa.

November 2020: Statewide Mask Mandate Issued

In November 2020, Reynolds issued a statewide mask mandate, requiring individuals over age 2 to wear masks in indoor public spaces, reversing her previous stance.

2022: Delivered Republican Response to State of the Union

In 2022, Kim Reynolds delivered the Republican response to President Joe Biden's State of the Union Address.

2022: Re-elected as Governor

In 2022, Kim Reynolds was re-elected as the Governor of Iowa.

November 2023: Endorsement of Ron DeSantis

In November 2023, Kim Reynolds endorsed Ron DeSantis for the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries.

February 1, 2024: Bill Introduced Defining 'Man' and 'Woman'

On February 1, 2024, Kim Reynolds introduced a bill defining "man" and "woman" based on reproductive anatomy and requiring official identification documents to list sex at birth.