Kimberly Kay Reynolds, the 43rd governor of Iowa since 2017, is a prominent figure in American politics. As a Republican, she previously held the position of Iowa's 46th lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2017. Her career reflects a strong dedication to public service within the state of Iowa.
August 4, 1959: Birth of Kim Reynolds
Kimberly Kay Reynolds was born on August 4, 1959. She would go on to become an influential American politician and the 43rd governor of Iowa.
1959: Birth of Kim Reynolds
Kim Reynolds was born in 1959 in St. Charles, Iowa. She would later become a significant political figure in Iowa.
1977: High School Graduation
Kim Reynolds graduated from high school at the Interstate 35 Community School District in 1977, marking an important milestone in her early life.
1982: Marriage to Kevin Reynolds
Kim Reynolds married Kevin Reynolds in 1982.
1992: Studied Accounting
Between 1992 and 1995, Kim Reynolds took accounting classes at Southwestern Community College, furthering her education.
1994: Started Term as Clarke County Treasurer
Kim Reynolds began her tenure as Clarke County treasurer in 1994, serving four terms in this position.
1995: Completion of Accounting Classes
Kim Reynolds completed her accounting classes at Southwestern Community College in 1995, enhancing her educational background.
1999: First DUI Charge
Kim Reynolds faced her first DUI charge in 1999.
August 2000: Second DUI Charge and Plea Deal
Kim Reynolds was charged with her second DUI in August 2000. Initially facing a Second Offense DUI charge, she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.
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 Democratic and independent candidates.
2009: Served in Iowa Senate
From 2009 to 2011, Kim Reynolds served a partial term in the Iowa Senate before transitioning to other roles in her political career.
June 25, 2010: Selected as Lieutenant Governor Candidate
On June 25, 2010, Terry Branstad selected Kim Reynolds as his running mate for lieutenant governor, marking a significant step in her political career.
November 2, 2010: Won General Election
The Branstad/Reynolds ticket won the general election on November 2, 2010, leading to her eventual role as lieutenant governor.
2010: Endorsed Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
In 2010, Kim Reynolds endorsed a ban on same-sex marriage in Iowa, a controversial stance that reflects her political views at the time.
January 14, 2011: Sworn in as Lieutenant Governor
Kim Reynolds was sworn in as the lieutenant governor of Iowa on January 14, 2011. She co-chaired several important councils and boards during her tenure.
2011: Became Lieutenant Governor
In 2011, Kim Reynolds started serving as the lieutenant governor of Iowa, a position she held until 2017.
2011: Served as Lieutenant Governor
Kim Reynolds served as the 46th lieutenant governor of Iowa from 2011 to 2017. This role was a notable step in her political journey.
2012: Began Public Administration Program
In 2012, Kim Reynolds began taking classes in the bachelor of public administration program at Upper Iowa University, although she did not complete a degree.
July 2015: Elected Chair of NLGA
In July 2015, Kim Reynolds was elected chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association, a notable recognition of her leadership.
2015: Obergefell v. Hodges Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, influencing Kim Reynolds's later stance on the issue.
December 2016: Awarded Bachelor of Liberal Studies
In December 2016, Kim Reynolds was awarded a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from Iowa State University with concentrations in political science, business management, and communications.
May 25, 2017: Announced Acting Lieutenant Governor
On May 25, 2017, Kim Reynolds announced that Adam Gregg would serve as acting lieutenant governor to avoid legal challenges, although he would not hold the official title or succeed her.
June 2017: Announcement of Gubernatorial Candidacy
In June 2017, Kim Reynolds declared her intention to run for a full term as Governor of Iowa in the 2018 election.
2017: Restoration of Voting Rights Initiatives
Starting in 2017, Kim Reynolds began restoring the voting rights of felons in Iowa. This marked the beginning of her efforts to reform the state's strict voting laws for felons.
2017: Public Statement on Alcoholism and Sobriety
Kim Reynolds publicly shared in 2017 that she sought inpatient treatment for alcoholism after her second DUI arrest in 2000 and has been sober for almost 17 years.
2017: Became Governor of Iowa
In 2017, Kim Reynolds assumed the role of the 43rd governor of Iowa, marking a significant milestone in her political career.
May 2018: Signed Energy and Abortion Bills
In May 2018, Kim Reynolds signed a bill to revamp Iowa's energy efficiency policies and another 'fetal heartbeat bill', one of the nation's most restrictive abortion bans, which was later struck down.
November 6, 2018: Victory in Iowa Gubernatorial Election
Kim Reynolds won the Iowa gubernatorial election on November 6, 2018, defeating Democrat Fred Hubbell and Libertarian Jake Porter. She became the first woman elected Governor of Iowa, exceeding poll predictions by securing 50.3% of the vote and gaining significant support in areas west of Des Moines.
2018: Blocked Legal Challenges to Trump Policies
In 2018, Kim Reynolds blocked multiple requests from Iowa's Attorney General to challenge Trump administration policies, supporting Trump's positions on various issues.
2018: Proposed Medicaid and Tax Changes
In 2018, Kim Reynolds proposed significant changes, including a $10 million cut to Medicaid and a restructuring of the state tax code.
2018: Won Full Term as Governor
In 2018, Kim Reynolds secured a full term as the governor of Iowa, reinforcing her political standing in the state.
2018: Iowa Gubernatorial Election
Kim Reynolds participated in the Iowa gubernatorial election in 2018, ultimately winning the election and making history as the first woman elected Governor of Iowa.
2018: Stance on Same-Sex Marriage Post-Obergefell
In 2018, Kim Reynolds acknowledged same-sex marriage as a settled issue following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015).
January 2019: Fetal Heartbeat Bill Struck Down
In January 2019, an Iowa state judge struck down the 'fetal heartbeat bill' as unconstitutional. Kim Reynolds chose not to appeal the decision.
January 18, 2019: First Full Term Begins
On January 18, 2019, Kim Reynolds began her first full term as Governor of Iowa. This marked the official start of her tenure as the elected governor after previously completing a partial term.
March 2019: Protecting Speech on Campus
In March 2019, Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law requiring public universities in Iowa to protect all forms of speech on campus. This legislation aimed to ensure the freedom of expression in academic institutions.
December 2019: Anti-Vaping Campaign Launched
In December 2019, Kim Reynolds launched an anti-vaping social media campaign. The effort was aimed at reducing vaping among Iowa youth by raising awareness about its dangers.
2019: Charity Auction Controversy
In 2019, Kim Reynolds participated in a charity auction benefiting Iowa Select Farms' owners' foundation, raising nearly $300,000. This event was criticized for potential impropriety despite no legal violations.
March 9, 2020: Proclamation of Disaster Emergency
On March 9, 2020, Kim Reynolds signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked the beginning of the state's official response to the health crisis.
April 2020: Restoration of Voting Rights
By April 2020, Kim Reynolds had restored the voting rights of 543 felons, significantly more than her predecessor over nearly seven years. This restoration of rights was part of her broader commitment to criminal justice reform.
April 2020: COVID-19 Restrictions and Recommendations
In April 2020, Iowa health officials advised Kim Reynolds to enforce face coverings and maintain restrictions. Despite the advice, she opted to reopen the economy and encourage voluntary mask use instead.
April 2020: TestIowa Contract Signed
In April 2020, on the advice of Ashton Kutcher, Kim Reynolds signed a $26 million no-bid contract with Nomi Health to develop TestIowa, a COVID-19 testing program. The program faced numerous issues and led to a lawsuit over public records.
July 2020: COVID-19 Testing Controversy
In July 2020, Kim Reynolds's administration arranged COVID-19 testing at Iowa Select's facilities, a major campaign donor, at a time when testing was scarce for healthcare workers and vulnerable populations. This raised questions about favoritism and ethics.
July 2020: School Reopening Directive
In July 2020, Kim Reynolds announced plans to invalidate certain school districts' limited in-person class plans, requiring students to attend in-person classes at least half the time. This decision faced criticism from the state teachers' union.
July 2020: Reopening and Mask Mandate Controversy
In July 2020, Kim Reynolds opposed local mask mandates and declared them unlawful, making Iowa one of the few states without enforceable mask mandates. This stance was controversial amidst rising COVID-19 cases.
July 2020: Raising Tobacco Purchasing Age
In July 2020, Kim Reynolds signed legislation that raised the minimum legal age to buy tobacco products, including vaping products, to 21. This move was part of her broader efforts to curb youth smoking and vaping.
August 2020: Felon Voting Rights Executive Order
In August 2020, Kim Reynolds signed an executive order allowing felons to vote in Iowa elections upon completing their sentences. This was a significant shift from Iowa's previous lifetime voting ban for felons.
September 2020: Breaking CDC Quarantine Guidelines
In September 2020, Kim Reynolds's administration revoked CDC guidelines recommending a 14-day quarantine for those exposed to COVID-19 if masks were worn properly. This decision was part of a broader divergence from federal health recommendations.
October 2020: Indoor Fundraiser and Trump Rally
In October 2020, Kim Reynolds attended an indoor fundraiser and a large rally for President Trump, where attendees did not wear masks or socially distance. These events sparked criticism for disregarding public health guidelines.
November 2020: COVID-19 Peak in Iowa
In November 2020, COVID-19 cases peaked in Iowa, leading to heightened scrutiny of Kim Reynolds's handling of the pandemic. Her approval ratings were among the lowest in the nation during this period.
November 2020: Mandatory Mask Order Issued
In November 2020, after the presidential election, Kim Reynolds issued a mandatory mask order for large gatherings, reversing her previous stance against mask mandates.
November 2020: Iowa Statewide Mask Mandate
In November 2020, despite her previous stance, Kim Reynolds issued a statewide mask mandate for anyone over two years old in indoor public spaces. She expressed her reluctance but emphasized the need for Iowans' cooperation to prevent economic and healthcare system failures.
2020: Proposed Sales Tax Increase
In 2020, Kim Reynolds proposed a one-cent increase in the state sales tax to offset a reduction in state income tax rates, a move that faced legislative opposition.
2020: Supported Trump During Presidential Campaign
During the 2020 presidential campaign, Kim Reynolds made campaign appearances with Donald Trump. Despite his loss, she did not denounce his claims of election fraud until January 2021.
2020: 2020 Election and Voting Changes
During 2020, Kim Reynolds's support for election integrity measures aligned with a broader Republican effort to roll back voting access following the presidential election. This included implementing stricter voting laws in Iowa.
January 2021: COVID-19 Positivity and Vaccination Rates
By January 2021, Iowa had the third-highest COVID-19 positivity rate and the third-lowest per capita vaccination rate in the United States. These statistics further criticized Kim Reynolds's pandemic response.
January 2021: Acknowledged Biden's Victory
In January 2021, Kim Reynolds acknowledged Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election after Congress formally counted the electoral votes, condemning the Capitol storming but noting widespread beliefs about the election's validity.
January 2021: Investigation into COVID-19 Testing
In January 2021, following revelations about preferential COVID-19 testing for political donors, an investigation was launched to determine if special treatment was given over essential workers. This sparked significant criticism and scrutiny.
January 2021: Full-Time In-Person Classes Mandate
In late January 2021, Kim Reynolds signed a bill requiring school districts to offer full-time in-person classes upon parents' request, despite protests from teachers concerned about safety amidst the pandemic.
February 2021: Rollback of COVID-19 Restrictions
In February 2021, Kim Reynolds lifted mask mandates in indoor public spaces and restrictions on indoor dining, disregarding recommendations from the CDC and without consulting the Iowa Department of Public Health.
March 2021: Election Integrity Bill Signed
In March 2021, Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law that shortened polling place hours, reduced early voting, and required absentee ballots to be received by Election Day. She stated that the law would protect election integrity.
March 2021: Opposition to American Rescue Plan Act
Kim Reynolds publicly opposed the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021, criticizing it for rewarding states with aggressive shutdowns.
April 2, 2021: Constitutional Carry Law Signed
On April 2, 2021, Kim Reynolds signed a bill allowing individuals to purchase and carry handguns without a permit, a policy known as constitutional carry. This was a significant change in Iowa's gun laws.
May 2021: Bans on Vaccine Passports and School Mask Mandates
In May 2021, Kim Reynolds signed two bills into law. One prohibits businesses and local governments from requiring proof of vaccination from customers, and the other prevents school districts from mandating masks.
September 2021: Iowa Water Infrastructure Funding
In September 2021, Kim Reynolds announced $100 million in funding for Iowa's water infrastructure, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act she previously opposed.
2021: Previous Attempts to Pass Students First Act
Kim Reynolds previously attempted to pass the Students First Act in 2021 and 2022 before its successful passage in January 2023.
2021: Signed 24-Hour Abortion Waiting Period Bill
In 2021, Kim Reynolds signed a bill requiring a 24-hour waiting period for abortions, which was later struck down by an Iowa court.
March 1, 2022: Republican Response to State of the Union
Kim Reynolds delivered the Republican response to President Biden's State of the Union address on March 1, 2022.
March 3, 2022: Transgender Sports Ban
Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law on March 3, 2022, prohibiting transgender girls and women from participating in designated female sports teams.
2022: Reelected as Governor
In 2022, Kim Reynolds was reelected as the governor of Iowa, continuing her leadership in the state.
January 2023: Students First Act and ESA Implementation
In January 2023, Kim Reynolds signed the Students First Act, making ESAs (private school vouchers) available in Iowa for the first time. This followed her previous attempts to pass the bill in 2021 and 2022.
March 22, 2023: Bans on Gender-Affirming Care and Restroom Use
On March 22, 2023, Kim Reynolds signed two laws. One bans the prescription of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-affirming surgery to minors. The other prohibits individuals from using school restrooms that don't align with their sex at birth.
September 2023: Kevin Reynolds Diagnosed with Lung Cancer
Kim Reynolds' husband, Kevin Reynolds, was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2023.
November 2023: Endorsement of Ron DeSantis
Kim Reynolds endorsed Ron DeSantis for the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries in November 2023, expressing doubts about Trump's chances in the general election.
February 1, 2024: Introduction of Bills on Sex and Gender Definitions and Migrant Arrests
On February 1, 2024, Kim Reynolds introduced two bills. One defines "man" and "woman" based on reproductive anatomy and mandates that official identification documents list sex at birth. The other permits state law enforcement to arrest undocumented migrants previously deported from or denied admission to the United States and allows state courts to issue deportation orders.
March 2024: Endorsement of Donald Trump
After previously endorsing Ron DeSantis, Kim Reynolds endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election in March 2024.