Kim Reynolds won't seek reelection. See how Iowa's leaders are reacting to her decision.

(This story was updated to add a video and new information.)

After Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced on social media that she will not seek reelection to another term as governor, other top Republicans in the state shared their praise. And, a few Democrats used the opportunity to criticize Reynolds' policies.

Here's what state leaders in Iowa have to say.

Sen. Chuck Grassley

Iowa's senior senator, Chuck Grassley, took to X to thank Reynolds for her "continued leadership" of the state of Iowa.

In a news release, Grassley called Reynolds an "outstanding leader" and offered praise for accomplishments like tax cuts, championing biofuels and introducing school choice.

"We thank her for her leadership and know her vision to keep Iowa the best place to work, raise a family and retire will continue to make a difference in the current and future legislative sessions," he said.

Grassley also expressed optimism for the party, noting that voters delivered "resounding victories" across the ballot in recent gubernatorial years.

"I have no doubt Iowans will re-elect Republicans up and down the ticket in 2026. We are hungrier than ever to keep Iowa moving in the right direction and will outwork anyone and everyone to fight for our values, our liberties and our freedoms."

Sen. Joni Ernst

Sen. Joni Ernst thanked Reynolds on X, saying it's been an honor to count on her as a friend and mentor.

"Kim’s story is an inspiration to every Iowan," Ernst said in a statement. "No matter the challenge, she has faced it head on with grace and grit. Kim is a fighter who always puts Iowa first. "

Ernst praised Reynolds for "her bold, conservative leadership — putting parents first, cutting taxes, and supporting hardworking farmers and families in every corner of our state."

Attorney General Brenna Bird

Attorney General Brenna Bird described Reynolds' tenure as governor as "transformative" in a statement on X.

Bird's post celebrated a list of accomplishments and said, "In 2022 her unwavering support made all the difference and meant the world to me."

The first-term attorney general hinted at a possibility of running for governor in 2026, saying, "In the weeks ahead, (my husband) Bob and I will pray and consider what this decision means for our future. I appreciate the calls of encouragement I've already received."

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn called Reynolds a friend and a leader, but more importantly, an inspiration for his daughters and girls across Iowa. "Governor Reynolds led Iowa to prosperity with commonsense solutions — from tax cuts to economic growth," Nunn said in a statement to the Register. "She helped me prevent human trafficking, fight fentanyl in Iowa, balance our state’s budget, and help make Iowa one of the best places to raise a family."

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver

Reynolds is the "best governor in the country" and has led Iowa through "unprecedented times with courage and conviction," said Iowa Sen. Jack Whitver in a statement.

As a friend, he said her concern and kindness has helped him through difficult days.

Senate President Amy Sinclair

Senate President Amy Sinclair said it's been a "great honor and privilege" to work with Reynolds. She listed Reynolds' work "restoring parental rights, protecting women and girls in sports and their private spaces" among her accomplishments.

Sinclair said she thanked the governor for her career in public services and strong leadership and wished her well in her next chapter.

Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley

Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley praised Reynolds as a "bold leader" who has shown "remarkable courage in tackling challenging issues."

"I’m incredibly proud of all we’ve accomplished together over the last six sessions," he said. "No matter what chaos we saw in Washington, D.C. or from our blue-state neighbors, we’ve kept our heads on straight in Iowa."

"As we look to the future, our state needs more of this strong leadership - someone who will keep Iowans' freedoms at the forefront and partner with President Trump to keep Iowa strong."

U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Reynolds has been a tremendous advocate for Iowa, said U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in a news release. She called Reynolds, who is Iowa's first female governor, a trailblazer.

"Under her leadership, Iowa became one of the best-managed states, cutting taxes, shrinking bureaucracy, and creating a national model for efficient and effective government," Miller-Meeks said.

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra

Rep. Randy Feenstra said while serving with Reynolds in the Iowa Legislature, he saw firsthand how much she loved Iowa and witnessed her devotion to Iowan families and communities. He also noted her visits across the state, school choice expansion and tax cuts made under her watch.

Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann

Jeff Kaufmann called Reynolds a generational leader for Iowa and the Republican Party.

"Under her bold, conservative leadership, Iowa now sits as one of the best states in the entire country," he posted.

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson

Rep. Ashley Hinson called Reynolds is the best governor in America, and the state has been blessed by her leadership. Thanking Reynolds, she said the state's next governor will have big shoes to fill.

Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig

“Gov. Kim Reynolds has been an unwavering champion for Iowa agriculture, our farmers, and rural communities," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig in a news release. He cited accomplishments like cutting taxes, streamlining government and instituting the state's education savings account program for parents who send kids to private schools.

Reynolds will be among the "most successful and impactful leaders in our state's history," he said while offering the governor his "heartfelt thanks."

State Treasurer Roby Smith

State Treasurer Roby Smith said he commends Reynolds for her "steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment" to Iowans.

"I will be forever grateful for her years of dedicated service and for the legacy she leaves for the people of our State," he said in a statement.

State Auditor Rob Sand

State Auditor Rob Sand posted on Facebook that public office is a "demanding path" in ways few understand. He wished Reynolds and her family well.

Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner

Iowa faces budget deficits and culture wars in the state are pushing Iowans away, thanks to 10 years of Gov. Reynolds' leadership, said Sen. Janice Weiner, the Democratic leader in the Iowa Senate.

"Iowans deserve leadership that prioritizes their needs and concerns, will rebuild the damage wrought by this administration, and truly gives working Iowans a better deal," she wrote in a news release.

Iowa House minority leader Jennifer Konfrst

Reynolds contributed a decade of failed leadership, and is the least popular governor in America, said Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, the Democratic leader in the Iowa House.

"It’s time for a governor who will build an economy that works for everyone," Konfrst wrote in a news release. "It’s time for a governor who knows that public money is for public schools. It’s time for a governor who will bring balance and common sense back to Iowa."

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.