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, and it’s been an honor to serve.”
During his remarks, Branstad thanked his family, teachers from his hometown and the legislators and state employees he worked with during his time in office. He noted that for much of his tenure, the legislature was controlled by the opposite party.
“We were able to get a lot done,” Branstad said. “We found workable solutions that Iowans appreciated.”
Reynolds, who Branstad selected as his lieutenant governor when he returned to office in 2011, also announced that a 36-mile stretch of Highway 9 will be named in Branstad’s honor. The roadway runs through Winnebago and Worth counties, including Forest City, Hanlontown and Thompson, with its midpoint in Leland — Branstad’s hometown.
Reynolds recalled that improving Highway 9 was a campaign issue for Branstad when he first ran for office in 1972, when the road was just 18 feet wide.
She shared a story from the highway’s dedication in 1985, when Branstad quipped on a frigid day that the long-delayed project had finally been completed because “it’s a cold day in hell.”
The Iowa Department of Transportation will install signs designating the stretch of Highway 9 as “Dedicated to Governor Terry Branstad.” Reynolds said the signs are expected to be in place by Christmas.
