Former Governor Terry Branstad, the nation’s longest-serving governor, has been honored with the state’s highest citizen recognition.

Governor Kim Reynolds presented Branstad with the Iowa Award during a ceremony Thursday in the Iowa Capitol rotunda. Branstad is the 26th recipient of the honor.

“His imprint on our state is simply unmatched,” Reynolds said.

Branstad, 79, served in the Iowa House and one term as lieutenant governor before first being elected governor in 1982. He went on to serve more than 22 years as governor over five-and-a-half terms. He left office in 2017 after being appointed by President Donald Trump as U.S. ambassador to China.

“I want to thank the people of Iowa,” Branstad told those gathered. “You are a wonderful, caring, thoughtful, friendly group of people,

See Full Page