A big shift in the statewide political landscape will begin this January, not only as the Republican Party now holds significant majorities in the House and Senate, but because there will likely be a new leader in the capitol.

Following Governor Terry Branstad’s appointment as Ambassador to China for the Donald Trump administration, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds–pending U.S. Senate confirmation of Branstad, will become Iowa’s first female governor. State Senator Ken Rozenboom tells KNIA/KRLS News the transition may not be immediate, as the process of approving all of Donald Trump’s appointments may be lengthy.

Rozenboom feels Reynolds will represent Iowa well, and while she may share many similarities with Branstad, he expects the current Lt. Governor to have her own initiatives and ideas. The 2017 Iowa Legislative Session begins January 9th.