Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced last week she will not be seeking re-election in 2026, after her second full term as Governor is complete. Reynolds served as Lieutenant Governor under Governor Branstad and took over after he departed to serve as ambassador to China, then elected for full terms in both 2018 and 2022. State Senator Julian Garrett tells KNIA News the announcement came as somewhat of a shock, and he will miss her serving in the role.

“I was surprised, I hadn’t expected that. She will certainly be missed. I’ve known her and her family, her parents, for many years before she was governor. She’s not only been a really great governor but a really great friend over the years. She’s led the way in passing responsible budgets and tax cuts that have earned Iowa the title of best fiscal-managed state in the union. She will be missed.”

Hear more on today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.