Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds Says She’s Prepared to be Governor

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Latest on Gov. Terry Branstad’s nomination as ambassador to China.

Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds says her six years in office have prepared her for her new role as governor.

Reynolds released a statement Wednesday saying “the experience I’ve gained over the last six years has prepared me well for this next chapter of service to all Iowans.”

Reynolds will become Iowa’s first female governor after current Gov. Terry Branstad steps down to become ambassador to China. President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he’d appointed Branstad to the position, which requires Senate confirmation.

In her statement, Reynolds lavished praise on Branstad, saying Trump’s nomination “speaks volumes about the character, talent and experience of Gov. Terry Branstad.”

She called Branstad her “mentor and friend.”