DES MOINES, Iowa — Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg is immediately resigning from his position to spend more time with his family, the governor's office announced Tuesday.
"Adam has been a tremendous partner and an important part of my team over the last seven years, and I greatly appreciate his service to Iowans," Reynolds said in a statement. "It comes as no surprise that he would choose to step down to prioritize his personal life. Adam is a devoted husband and father, and there is nothing more important to him than his family. Even as lieutenant governor, he has made time to coach his young son and daughter, be involved at their school, and participate together in church activities. This most certainly is the right decision for Adam, and I wish him, Cari and their children only the best."
Gregg has served in the position since May 2017, when Reynolds appointed him following Gov. Terry Branstad's nomination to be U.S. Ambassador to China.
Reynolds and Gregg have won two full terms to office, 2018 and 2022.
Gregg will now serve as the president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association.
"In his role as lieutenant governor, he has traveled to all 99 counties and worked with local leadership to build strong communities – a key role of Iowa’s banking industry. He is a person of great integrity who, like our member banks, has demonstrated a commitment to making Iowa a better place to live, work and bank," the IBA said in a statement.
The governor's announcement noted the resignation is "effective today, September 3, 2024."
The next step under state law involves the governor appointing a replacement to serve as acting lieutenant governor until the end of the remaining term.
Until the vacancy is filled, the president of the Senate will be next in line of succession and fulfill appropriate duties. That is Amy Sinclair, a Republican from Wayne County.
Gregg released the following statement:
"It has been a great honor to serve alongside Governor Reynolds for seven years. I have enormous respect for her and her leadership, and she will always be one of the most important mentors in my life. I don’t have the words to express the profound gratitude I feel toward Governor Reynolds.
However, as Scripture reminds us, for everything there is a season, and there is a time to every purpose under heaven. I feel my time in public service must come to a close. This season of my life needs to be focused on my family. My kids are growing up too fast, and statewide elected offices force me to miss more of their lives than I can accept. While difficult, the decision to resign from this role allows me to honor my most important commitment – my family."
Comments from other local political leaders
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum
“I am keenly aware of the unique requirements demanded of public servants and the constraints those requirements put on the time we are able to spend with loved ones,” Jochum said. “Stepping away from public life is never an easy decision, but I commend the Lieutenant Governor in choosing to focus his time and efforts on his family.”
“I thank Lt. Governor Gregg for his dedicated service to the people of Iowa these past seven years,” Jochum said. “I wish him and his family well as he begins his next endeavor.”
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird
“Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg is the epitome of what it means to be a leader. He is a leader for his family, a leader in his faith, and a leader for our state. I have nothing but admiration for the incredible work Adam has done to move our state forward and his decision to focus on his family at this time. I am grateful to have served Iowans alongside my friend Adam, and I have no doubt that he will continue to impact the lives of many in his future endeavors.”
State Auditor Rob Sand
“I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg for his years of service to the people of Iowa. He was always capable of seeing past disagreements to focus on places to work together.”
House Minority leader Jennifer Konfrst
"We wish Lieutenant Governor Gregg nothing but the best. I am anxious to see where the governor goes from here when it comes to appointing a new lieutenant governor, certainly looking to see if she's going to double down on extremism or try to find some common ground. And so we'll be paying close attention. But at the end of the day, we know that Iowans want balance, and we know that family is really important. So we do wish the lieutenant governor the best as he goes forward and spends time with his family."