Governor Terry Branstad resigns as governor at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow and will be sworn in as Ambassador to China. Kim Reynolds will take the oath of office for governor following.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Branstad Monday by a vote of 82-13.
(Soon to be) Ambassador Branstad said he?s excited to work with the Chinese people.
“I?m already pleased President Trump and Commerce Secretary Wilber Ross have been able to work out a deal to make it possible for us to serve Iowa premium beef in the ambassador?s residence and embassy starting in July.?
U.S. officials have been working 13 years to get American beef back in China. Branstad calls this ?a big step forward.?
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Branstad said he had some unfinished business such as water quality he would have liked to have seen get passed through the Iowa legislature but said Iowa is in good hands with (incoming) Governor Kim Reynolds.
?Our office is prepared to implement legislation passed this last legislative session. I will also meet with the full cabinet in the near future to align priorities and discuss next steps. Iowans should know we are ready to get to work,? Reynolds said.
Reynolds will be sworn in as Iowa?s 43rd governor and the first woman to ever serve the position.
An announcement on Reynolds? decision whether to appoint a new lieutenant governor will be made later this week.
