DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad will resign as governor of Iowa on Wednesday, May 24, and immediately be sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. The U.S. Senate confirmed Branstad late Monday afternoon by a vote of 82-13.
Shortly after Branstad’s resignation, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will be sworn in as Iowa’s 43rd governor in a ceremony at the Iowa State capitol building in Des Moines.
Reynolds will be Iowa’s first female governor.
She released the following statement Monday after Branstad’s comfirmation as ambassador:
“I want to congratulate Gov. Branstad on receiving overwhelming support to become the next U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. For over 22 years, Iowans have had a man with a servant heart working tirelessly on their behalf and for a state he loves dearly. His heart to serve has led him to accept a new calling, to serve our state and our country as Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. He is uniquely qualified and is the right person for the right time, and we are proud to have him take our Iowa values to the world stage. Kevin and I wish Gov. Branstad and the First Lady our very best in their new mission.”
Branstad also issued a statement:
“I want to thank President Trump and Vice President Pence for nominating me to be the United States Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. I also want to thank Chairman Corker, Ranking Member Cardin, and the United States Senate for the confidence they have placed in me. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a boy from a small farm in Leland, Iowa, would one day have the opportunity to represent my country and my state on the world stage, working closely with one of the world’s most influential countries and one of America’s largest trading partners. None of this would have been possible without the dedicated love and support of my wife Chris and my family.
While I’m temporarily leaving the state I love and have governed for over 22 years, I know I’m leaving Iowa in great hands with Kim Reynolds as governor. I look forward to working with both my friend President Donald Trump and my old friend President Xi Jinping for the mutual benefit of both of our countries and the rest of the world.”
