Challenges Faced by Kim Reynolds: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Kim Reynolds's life and career.

Kim Reynolds is the 43rd and current governor of Iowa, serving since 2017. As a Republican, she made history as the first female governor of Iowa. Before becoming governor, she served as the 46th lieutenant governor of Iowa from 2011 to 2017. Her political career and rise to the governorship mark a significant milestone in Iowa's political landscape.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

August 2000: Second DUI Charge

In August 2000, Reynolds was charged with Second Offense DUI, but was allowed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor.

May 25, 2017: Named Acting Lieutenant Governor

On May 25, 2017, Kim Reynolds announced that Adam Gregg would serve as acting lieutenant governor to avoid litigation due to the circumstances of her taking office.

May 2018: Signed Fetal Heartbeat Bill

In May 2018, Kim Reynolds signed a "fetal heartbeat bill", which was one of the nation's most restrictive abortion bans. She also signed a bill to revamp Iowa's energy efficiency policies in May 2018.

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: COVID-19 Restrictions and Recommendations

In April 2020, Iowa health officials advised Reynolds to enforce face coverings and not ease restrictions related to COVID-19. Reynolds took the stance that it was better to reopen the economy and encourage people to be responsible and wear masks.

July 2020: Reynolds Invalidated School Districts' Plans

In July 2020, Reynolds said she would invalidate some school districts' plans to limit in-person classes to one day a week for most students, with online learning on other days, overriding local school districts and requiring students to spend at least half of their schooling in classrooms.

July 2020: Opposition to Local Mask Mandates

In July 2020, Reynolds said that Iowa localities' mask mandates were "not appropriate" and unlawful, seeking to block them, making Iowa one of the only U.S. states lacking any enforceable local or state mask mandates.

September 2020: Revoked CDC Quarantine Guidelines

In September 2020, the Reynolds administration broke with the CDC's quarantine guidelines, revoking guidelines recommending that people exposed to the virus quarantine for 14 days, "if the infected person and close contacts were wearing masks properly".

October 2020: Appearance at Indoor Republican Fundraiser and Trump Rally

In October 2020, Reynolds appeared at an indoor fundraiser for the Republican Party and a large rally in a hangar for President Trump. Attendees did not wear masks or socially distance at the events.

November 2020: Mandatory Mask Order Issued

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

November 2020: COVID-19 Peak in Iowa

COVID-19 in Iowa peaked in November 2020, but remained high into the next year.

November 2020: Statewide Mask Mandate Issued

In November 2020, Reynolds issued a statewide mask mandate, ordering anyone over age 2 to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, reversing her previous claim that face masks are ineffective.

January 2021: Iowa's COVID-19 Positivity and Vaccination Rates

In late January 2021, Iowa had the nation's third-highest COVID-19 positivity rate and third-lowest per capita vaccination rate.

January 2021: Bill Signed Requiring Full-Time In-Person Classes

In late January 2021, Reynolds signed a bill requiring school districts to provide full-time in-person classes upon parents' request.

February 2021: Rollback of Mask Requirements and Restrictions

In February 2021, Reynolds rolled back mask requirements in indoor public places and restrictions on indoor dining, without consulting with experts at the Iowa Department of Public Health.

March 2021: Opposition to American Rescue Plan Act

In March 2021, Reynolds voiced her opposition to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, saying it would "provide bigger checks to states who chose aggressive shutdowns and mismanaged their state budgets."