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. 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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2010: Endorsed Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

In 2010, Kim Reynolds endorsed a ban on same-sex marriage in Iowa.

May 2018: Signed Fetal Heartbeat Bill

In May 2018, Kim Reynolds signed a "fetal heartbeat bill", one of the nation's most restrictive abortion bans.

2018: Proposed Medicaid Cuts

In 2018, Kim Reynolds proposed cutting $10 million from Medicaid.

2019: Charity Auction for Pork Producer's Foundation

In 2019, Kim Reynolds donated an afternoon of her time as part of a charity auction to benefit the Iowa Select Farms' owners' foundation.

April 2020: COVID-19 Restrictions and Reopening Stance

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

April 2020: TestIowa Program Contract Signed

In April 2020, Kim Reynolds signed a $26 million no-bid contract with Nomi Health to develop TestIowa, a COVID-19 testing program, on the advice of Ashton Kutcher.

July 2020: COVID-19 Testing at Iowa Select Farms

In July 2020, Kim Reynolds's administration arranged for COVID-19 testing to be done at Iowa Select's headquarters.

July 2020: Reynolds Overrides School Districts' Reopening Plans

In July 2020, Reynolds invalidated some school districts' plans to limit in-person classes, requiring students to spend at least half of their schooling in classrooms.

July 2020: Opposition to Local Mask Mandates

In July 2020, Reynolds stated that local mask mandates in Iowa were "not appropriate" and unlawful, seeking to block them despite recommendations from health organizations.

September 2020: Revocation of CDC Quarantine Guidelines

In September 2020, the Reynolds administration revoked CDC guidelines recommending a 14-day quarantine for people exposed to the virus if both the infected person and close contacts were wearing masks properly.

November 2020: COVID-19 Peak in Iowa

COVID-19 peaked in Iowa in November 2020, contributing to Reynolds having the lowest approval rating of any governor in the nation for her handling of the pandemic.

2020: Proposed Sales Tax Increase

In 2020, Kim Reynolds proposed a one-cent increase in the state sales tax.

January 2021: Criticism over COVID-19 Testing

After the testing came to light in January 2021, Polk County Supervisor Matt McCoy criticized Reynolds, and State Auditor Rob Sand began an investigation into whether special treatment was accorded to political donors over essential workers and vulnerable persons.

March 2021: Signed Voting Law Changes

In March 2021, Kim Reynolds signed into law a bill that shortened the hours of polling places on Election Day, reduced the early voting period, and required that absentee ballots be received by ballot places before the end of Election Day.

April 2, 2021: Signed Constitutional Carry Bill

On April 2, 2021, Kim Reynolds signed a bill allowing individuals to purchase and carry handguns without a permit, known as constitutional carry.

2021: Signed 24-Hour Abortion Waiting Period Bill

In 2021, Kim Reynolds signed into law a bill that required women getting abortion to wait for 24 hours; an Iowa court struck the law down.

2023: Signed Six-Week Abortion Ban

In 2023, Kim Reynolds signed a six-week abortion ban into law.

2023: Legislation to Strip State Auditor's Powers

In 2023, Kim Reynolds signed legislation to strip the state auditor's powers.

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.