Special Election Called by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has set a special election date to fill the Senate seat vacated by Chris Cournoyer, who was appointed as lieutenant governor earlier this month. The special election for Iowa Senate District 35 is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. The district encompasses Clinton County, along with parts of Jackson and Scott counties.
Background on Chris Cournoyer
Chris Cournoyer, who was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018, has resigned from her role as a representative of Senate District 35 after being appointed as lieutenant governor. Cournoyer has a background in technology, holding a computer science degree and working in website design and for a tech company. During her time in the Senate, she served as the chair of the Education Budget Committee and vice chair of the State Government Committee.
Transition and Successor Decision
Following Adam Gregg’s resignation from the position of lieutenant governor after more than seven years in office, Reynolds announced that she would appoint a successor after the 2024 election. Cournoyer will have a few weeks to settle into her new role before joining Reynolds at her annual condition of the state speech after the legislative session begins in January. Reynolds emphasized the importance of making the right choice for both her team and the people of Iowa.
Reynolds’ Political Career
Reynolds, who became governor in 2017 after Terry Branstad was named U.S. ambassador to China, has been reelected in both 2018 and 2022. In 2017, she faced legal questions regarding the appointment of a lieutenant governor, eventually naming Adam Gregg as her “acting” lieutenant governor. Iowa voters approved a constitutional amendment in the recent election to clarify the process for such appointments.
Overall, the shuffle in Iowa’s political landscape reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power and upholding the democratic process. With the special election on the horizon, the people of Iowa will have the opportunity to choose a new representative for Senate District 35, shaping the future of their community and state governance.
