Gov. Reynolds names IA Sen. Chris Cournoyer as new Lt. Gov

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced state Sen. Chris Cournoyer will be her new lieutenant governor.

Cournoyer, a Republican from LeClaire, will complete the term of outgoing Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg—who resigned in September to become president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association. His term ends in 2026.

“First and foremost, she has the character, judgement, and ability needed to serve as governor in case I were ever unable to—qualities that also make her ideally suited to support our work on a day-to-day basis,” Reynolds said in a press release.

“I can’t wait to deploy Chris’ extensive experience on key legislative committees, including Ways and Means, and expertise in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence on a wide range of issues important to Iowans,” Reynolds continued.

Cournoyer was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Her seat in the Iowa Senate will be filled via a special election called by Reynolds.

In Iowa, the lieutenant governor is mostly a ceremonial role, and the state Constitution says they are in charge of whatever duties the governor assigns. An amendment to the constitution, passed by voters in November, clarified the line of succession in the case of the resignation, death, or permanent disability for the governor.

With the amendment in place, the lieutenant governor assumes the role of governor and serves the remainder of the governor’s term. They also have the power to appoint their own lieutenant governor.

“I’m profoundly honored to serve as lieutenant governor, and Iowans can be confident that I will always approach the role with all the seriousness it deserves,” Cournoyer said in a press release. “I couldn’t be more excited to join Governor Reynolds’ team and do my part to implement her bold agenda for our state.”

Cournoyer has experience in the technology sector, artificial intelligence, and K-12 education. She’s a member of the governor’s STEM Advisory Council, a former member of the Quad Cities Engineering and Science Council, and a former school board president. 

Gregg served with Reynolds since 2017, when Reynolds assumed the governor’s office after then-Gov. Terry Branstad was appointed ambassador to China.

If Reynolds decides to run again in 2026, Cournoyer would be on the ticket with her.