How Kim Reynolds Secured a Full Term as Iowa's First Elected Female Governor

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: On November 6, 2018, Iowa voters decided the future of their state's executive office. Despite pre-election polling suggesting she might lose, incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds achieved a decisive victory. Her win marked a historic milestone for the state, as she became the first woman to win the governorship in her own right.

The 2018 gubernatorial race was shaped by a unique transition of power. In 2017, President Donald Trump selected then-Governor Terry Branstad to serve as the United States ambassador to China. Following his confirmation by the Senate, Branstad resigned his post on May 24, 2017. This vacancy elevated Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds to the governorship, setting the stage for her campaign to secure a full term the following year.

During the general election, Reynolds faced a diverse field of challengers, including Democratic businessman Fred Hubbell, Libertarian candidate Jake Porter, and independent Gary Siegwarth. Although early surveys indicated that Reynolds was trailing Hubbell, the results on election day told a different story. Reynolds secured 50.3% of the total vote, establishing a 2.8% margin of victory over her opponents. Her performance was geographically widespread, as she successfully carried 88 out of Iowa’s 99 counties.

The electoral map revealed a clear divide in voter support. While Hubbell managed to win three of the state's four congressional districts, Reynolds dominated the 4th Congressional District and swept every county located west of Des Moines. This victory was notable for another political reason: it was the first time since 1998 that an Iowa gubernatorial winner belonged to the same political party as the sitting president. Additionally, the Libertarian Party was able to participate in the election cycle with a primary, having achieved full political party status after Gary Johnson surpassed the 2% threshold in the 2016 presidential contest.

Reynolds' win solidified her position in Iowa history. By winning the election in 2018, she moved beyond her initial appointment to the office, becoming the first woman to be elected to the position by the voters of Iowa. Her success highlighted the importance of regional support in state politics, as her ability to maintain a strong base in rural and western counties proved sufficient to overcome the Democratic strength found in other congressional districts.

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