WASHINGTON - Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds is introducing herself to a divided nation as the Republican foil to President Joe Biden after his State of the Union address, though without the presidential buzz that often accompanies the role.Lesser known than 2024 presidential prospects Florida Gov.
Ron DeSantis or Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Reynolds is expected to use the televised GOP response to highlight her five years presiding in the Republican-controlled Iowa Capitol, where she’s pursued an agenda every bit as conservative as her nationally rising peers."It’s Iowans making their own decisions for their own families and future," Reynolds said in January, repeatedly accusing the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress of overreach during the governor’s annual speech to a joint session of the Iowa Legislature.Reynolds’ policy record — paired with the vocal support of former President Donald Trump, although with a lower national profile — might make her a safe choice for Republicans heading into a midterm election season where they are fighting to regain control of Congress.Reynolds’ agenda has been to slash taxes, finance private school options, trim access to voting, keep transgender student athletes from competing with those who share their identity gender and ban from schools controversial books and teachings, including lessons about systemic racism and white privilege.
Last June, she dispatched about 30 Iowa State Patrol officers to the U.S.-Mexico border for roughly two weeks to assist with law enforcement.It’s a familiar list of national GOP priorities, one that’s been pursued by DeSantis, Abbott and others, though Reynolds has suggested she has no ambition beyond Iowa.