Iowa politics was shaken up this week after Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced that she will not seek reelection in the next gubernatorial election cycle.

According to Breitbart, Gov. Reynolds made the bombshell announcement on Friday morning, making it clear that she will not seek to retain her seat in the 2026 election. 

Reynolds, in a statement to her constituents, admitted that the decision to not seek reelection was not an easy one, adding that she was proud to have served as the state's governor.

Her husband has experienced health problems, including a cancer diagnosis in 2023.

What's going on?

Reynolds released a video explaining her decision to her supporters and constituents, posting it across social media on Friday morning.

"Serving as your governor has been the greatest honor of my life — an opportunity that, not so long ago, I never could have imagined," she said in the video.

"After a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I have decided that I will not seek reelection in 2026," Reynolds said. "This wasn’t an easy decision because I love this state and I love serving you."

pic.twitter.com/ITfXFa6Q1M

— Kim Reynolds (@KimReynoldsIA) April 11, 2025

Breitbart noted:

Gov. Reynolds said that she is leaving office, in part, because she wants to be more present with her family. Des Moines CBS affiliate KCCI noted on Friday that the governor’s husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023 but was in remission as of January.

There aren't any huge names in the running to replace her, as of yet. However, given that the state leaned heavily toward President Donald Trump, he'll undoubtedly get to have some level of influence on who runs and possibly who wins the governor's mansion next year.

Social media reacts

Users across social media reacted to Gov. Reynolds' announcement, with many wishing her well and others saying, "it's about time."

"Good! When you’re anti-Trump you need to go. There is no forgiving that," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "Thank you Governor for being the BEST governor we have ever had in the history of our state. you have been incredible."

Only time will tell who becomes the new frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the state.