Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kim Reynolds

Public opinion and media debates around Kim Reynolds—discover key moments of controversy.

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 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.

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.

April 2020: TestIowa Contract Signed

In April 2020, Reynolds signed a $26 million, no-bid contract with Nomi Health, a Utah startup, to develop a COVID-19 testing program called TestIowa.

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.

January 2021: Criticized for Pork Industry Connections

In January 2021, Kim Reynolds faced criticism after testing for COVID-19 was arranged at Iowa Select Farms, raising questions about potential preferential treatment for political donors.

May 2021: Bill Signed Prohibiting Proof of Vaccination Requirements

In May 2021, Reynolds signed into law a bill that prohibited businesses and local governments from requiring customers to have proof of vaccination. She also signed into law a bill that prohibited school districts from requiring masks.

March 3, 2022: Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Signed

On March 3, 2022, she signed into law a bill that bans transgender girls and women from participating on designated female sports teams.

March 22, 2023: Law Banning Gender-Affirming Care for Minors Signed

On March 22, 2023, Reynolds signed a law banning the prescription of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-affirming surgery to minors, as well as a law prohibiting people from using school restrooms that do not align with their sex at birth.

February 1, 2024: Bill Defining Man and Woman Introduced

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

February 28, 2025: Elimination of Gender Identity as a Protected Class

On February 28, 2025, Reynolds signed Senate File 418, which eliminated gender identity as a protected class from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, making Iowa the first U.S. state to do so.