Former Gov. Terry Branstad was presented the Iowa Award by Gov. Kim Reynolds at a ceremony conducted at the Iowa State Capitol Dec. 11, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Former Gov. Terry Branstad, the nation’s longest-serving governor and a former U.S. ambassador to China, was granted the Iowa Award Thursday, the state’s highest citizen award.

Branstad became the 26th recipient of the award, joining the ranks of other notable Iowans including President Herbert Hoover, Nobel Peace Price winner Norman Borlaug, former Gov. Robert Ray and scientist George Washington Carver. As Gov. Kim Reynolds presented the award to Branstad, she reflected on her time serving with him as lieutenant governor, saying she was happy to be able to honor his legacy of “leaving things better t

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