DES MOINES, Iowa — Congratulations are rolling in from both sides of the aisle for Iowa's newly sworn-in lieutenant governor.
Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Monday that Republican Sen. Chris Cournoyer, who currently represents District 35, will serve as lieutenant governor for the remainder of Reynolds' term.
"This is a humbling responsibility for me, and Iowans can be confident that I will always approach it with the seriousness that it deserves," Cournoyer said.
Leaders from across the state offered congratulatory messages and praised Cournoyer for her experience and knowledge. Here's what they had to say:
Attorney General Brenna Bird
"Chris Cournoyer will make an excellent Lieutenant Governor! She is tough and determined. As a State Senator, she delivered for Iowa families and strengthened our schools. Together, Gov. Reynolds and LG Cournoyer will keep Iowa moving in the right direction!"
State Auditor Rob Sand
“Congratulations to Chris Cournoyer on her appointment as Iowa's Lieutenant Governor. I am happy to work with anyone to serve Iowans."
State Treasurer Roby Smith
“I’ve known Chris for nearly a decade and worked closely with her during my time in the Iowa Senate. During the two years she served as Vice Chair while I was Chair of the State Government Committee, she consistently impressed me with her energy, work ethic and character. With her experience, knowledge, and skills, Chris is well positioned to serve Iowans in this important role.”
Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver
“Chris has proven herself over the last 6 years as a smart, capable conservative. During her tenure in the Iowa Senate, she was a leading advocate for legislation to secure Second Amendment rights, protections for law enforcement, historic income tax relief, and every other common sense conservative priority the Senate has advanced. She will be missed, but I am happy for her and I look forward to watching her succeed in her new role as Lieutenant Governor.”
Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Chris Cournoyer on being named Iowa’s new Lieutenant Governor. I wish her the best in this new role and hope she will look for opportunities to work cooperatively with her former colleagues in the Senate, regardless of party. Iowans deserve a government that works for their betterment. Senate Democrats stand ready to work with the new Lieutenant Governor, should she be asked to serve a role in the legislative process. On behalf of Iowa families, our commitment to bettering our schools and easing pocketbook burdens is resolute. I encourage the Reynolds Administration, and our new Lieutenant Governor, to join the effort of creating a freer, more prosperous Iowa for all."
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig
“Governor Reynolds is a champion for Iowa’s farmers, agribusinesses and our rural communities and she has made a strong selection in choosing Chris Cournoyer as Iowa’s next Lieutenant Governor. As a State Senator, Chris Cournoyer was a strong supporter of Iowa agriculture, and I have no doubt that she will bring the same leadership to her new role as we work to keep Iowa moving forward. I am excited to work with Governor Reynolds and Lieutenant Governor Cournoyer to grow markets for Iowa products, accelerate our conservation and water quality efforts, and make Iowa an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.”