Des Moines Register Poll: Majority of Iowans Don’t Want Kim Reynolds to Run Again

Bad news for Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds this morning: a new poll from the Des Moines Register shows the majority of Iowans hope she does not seek re-election in 2022. Additionally, more Iowans now disapprove of her job performance than approve, and the majority disapprove of her handling of COVID-19.

These poll results reflect the poor job Reynolds has done as governor, both before and during this crisis. Reynolds refused to take the pandemic seriously, ignored calls to implement popular, life-saving measures like a mask mandate, and failed to provide relief for her constituents. 

Reynolds abused millions in CARES Act funds last year when she opted to buy office software and line the pockets of her staff instead of putting it towards COVID relief for Iowans. Reynolds also awarded millions of dollars in no-bid contracts for PPE to a Republican donor, who was later charged with felony assault for brutally beating a woman.

In December, Reynolds announced she was not planning to allocate any state funds for pandemic relief.

“With this poll, Iowans are sending Kim Reynolds a clear message: we want a governor who actually looks out for Iowans – instead of playing partisan politics in the middle of a health and economic crisis,” said DGA Deputy Communications Director Sam Newton. “Reynolds has failed to help her constituents in their time of need, opting instead to line the pockets of her staff and Republican donors. We look forward to sending Reynolds packing in 2022.”