Surrounded by classic cars and vintage gasoline signs, donors, community leaders, and supporters gathered at Dean’s Classic Car Museum in Sioux Center Thursday, September 10, as Governor Kim Reynolds concluded her six-stop legacy tour.
Gov. Reynolds in the first two photos talking with attendees and Jim Dean in the third picture kicking off the speaking portion of the event / Photos: Sioux County Radio
Jim and Marilyn Dean, donors who hosted the event at Dean’s Classic Car Museum, welcomed the gathering following five earlier tour stops in Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Des Moines, and Clear Lake.
The evening mixed reflections on Reynolds’ public service with stories about her upbringing, family, and friendships—including surprise appearances by her brother, Doug Strawn, and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst.
Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann led the conversations, explaining that the gatherings were intended to offer a more personal look at the governor.
“This legacy tour has been one for the heart,” Kaufmann said.
Small-Town Roots and Sioux Center Memories
Reynolds recalled growing up in St. Charles, where her father worked at John Deere and farmed. She described a childhood shaped by nearby grandparents, Sunday dinners, and parents who remained involved in their community despite busy schedules.
She originally wanted to become a teacher. Becoming governor was not a childhood ambition.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would have the opportunity to serve Iowans in this capacity,” Reynolds said.
The conversation then turned to northwest Iowa’s role in her political career, particularly a stop at the museum near the end of her 2018 campaign.
Reynolds remembered arriving to a packed building and an enthusiastic crowd, giving her and her campaign team renewed optimism heading into the election.
“And it was such an incredible, amazing way to end that campaign,” Reynolds said.
Surprise Guests Share Personal Stories
Reynolds’ brother Doug Strawn and his wife joined Reynolds onstage as surprise guests, prompting laughter and stories about growing up together.
He recalled childhood trips for ice cream, when Reynolds would stop to hug older residents along the way. He also remembered her helping push his pedal tractor through a hot parade and her determination to improve at sports.
Reynolds said family remains an important source of support and perspective.
“And I’ve always said, you know, I’m a better governor when I have the opportunity to spend time with my family and with our kids and our grandkids,” she said.
Iowa U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, who is retiring herself, also made a surprise appearance. This brought another opportunity to reflect on a relationship extending beyond public office. The two shared memories of campaigning together, supporting one another through difficult days, and finding time to laugh amid demanding schedules.
Ernst also recalled her pride in watching Reynolds deliver the Republican response to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address.
“It’s not just a friend here today and gone tomorrow, but it is truly a lifetime of friendship and admiration that I have for this incredible woman who’s made such a mark on Iowa that can never easily be erased,” Ernst said.
Kaufmann also noted the history represented in the room: Iowa’s first female governor, Kim Reynolds; its first female U.S. senator, Joni Ernst; and its first female speaker of the Iowa House, Linda Upmeyer, who led the opening prayer.
Jeff Kauffman left and Reynolds (middle) pictured with Upmeyer (left) and Ernst (right) on the right. / Photos: Sioux County Radio
Reynolds Looks Toward Her Final Months
Speaking with reporters after the event, Reynolds said she hopes Iowans remember her willingness to confront difficult decisions.
“I hope if Iowans remember anything about me, it’s that I wasn’t afraid to take on the big issues, the tough issues, to do what I felt was right for Iowans,” Reynolds said.
She pointed to her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, education and parental choice policies, and taxes as areas of pride during her tenure.
Although the legacy tour has concluded, Reynolds said work remains before her term ends in January. She identified technology platforms and projects connected to the state government realignment as a focus for her remaining months.
“Just making sure we’re following through with projects that we’ve started and we get those completed before my term ends,” Reynolds said.
Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand are vying to replace the retiring Reynolds as Iowa’s next governor, with the election on November 3.
A shot of the crowd / photo: Sioux County Radio
