DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad’s office formally announced Tuesday morning that he will resign as governor of Iowa on Wednesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. and immediately be sworn in as U.S. ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. The U.S. Senate confirmed Branstad Monday by a vote of 82-13.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a boy from a small farm in Leland would one day have the opportunity to represent the United States and Iowa on the world stage, working closely with one of the world’s most influential countries and one of America’s largest trading partners,” Branstad said. “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.”
“We’ve been extremely fortunate to have Gov. Branstad as our governor and Chris as our first lady,” Lt. Gov. Reynolds said. “We’re even more fortunate to have him represent the country and our great state on the world stage. He’s the right person, at the right time, serving for the right reasons.”
Branstad’s resignation will take place on Wednesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. in the governor’s formal office at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. He will then be sworn in as U.S. ambassador to the People’s Republic of China by Judge Steven Colloton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.
Following the swearing in of Ambassador Branstad, Gov. Kim Reynolds will take the oath of office in the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda in Des Moines and be sworn in by Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady. Reynolds will then deliver her first address as governor of Iowa.
Iowa Public Television will shoot the events. A professional photographer will shoot still photographs. The events will also be livestreamed online and on video monitors for reporters covering the events.
An announcement on Lt. Gov. Reynolds’ decision whether or not to appoint a new lieutenant governor will be made later this week.
