As of today, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has resigned his position, and will take over as the United States Ambassador to China.

On Monday, Branstad was confirmed as ambassador by the U.S. Senate by a vote of 82-13. His departure means Iowa will have its first ever female governor after Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds is sworn in.

Area legislators believe both Branstad and Reynolds will excel in their new positions. State Senator Jake Chapman (R) says, “We welcome Lieutenant Governor Reynolds as the new governor, and look forward to continuing to work with her on these important pieces of legislation. I just wish both of them best wishes as they continue in their roles as public servants. With Kim Reynolds, time will tell. But I think she’s going to do a great job in that role, and I look forward to working with her as the next governor of Iowa.”

Reynolds will deliver her first address as governor today, though she’s not expected to make a decision regarding whether or not to appoint a lieutenant governor until later this week.