After serving more than seven years in office, Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned his position effective Tuesday.
The news sent shockwaves through the Republican Party as Gregg was appointed acting lieutenant governor by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in May 2017 when she took over for former Republican Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, who resigned the office to become U.S. Ambassador to China.
Reynolds issued the following statement on 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. “It comes as no surprise that he would choose to step down to prioritize his personal life. … This most certainly is the right decision for Adam, and I wish him, Cari, and their children only the best.
“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,” Lt. Gov. Gregg said, according to local affiliate KTIV 4.
While the announcement of Gregg’s resignation focused on his personal life, the Associated Press (AP) reported late Tuesday that the Iowa Bankers Association announced Gregg as their incoming president and CEO, effective Oct. 1.
Iowa Lt. Gov Adam Gregg resigns immediately, takes job leading Iowa Bankers Association https://t.co/rrXuXElyR0
— Des Moines Register (@DMRegister) September 3, 2024
“In my time as lieutenant governor, I found that for every good thing happening in our state, there was an Iowa bank backing it,” he said. “Now I have the great honor to represent this industry, which is so critical to Iowa’s success.”
According to the AP report, the Iowa Bankers Association advocates for its members with state and local governments and has been led for 28 years by John Sorensen, who is stepping down this year.
As for Gregg’s successor, there’s a protocol in place.
Iowa law states that the governor must appoint someone to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.
Reynolds indicated that she will do so “later this fall.” For now, Iowa Senate President Amy Sinclair, a Republican representing a South Central district, is next in the line of succession, according to the AP.