Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed state Sen. Chris Cournoyer to be her lieutenant governor Monday, more than three months after her first and only No. 2 in elected office resigned to take over the state bankers association.

Chris Cournoyer as her next lieutenant governor after Adam Gregg resigned the post earlier this year. It marks the first time Iowa will have women in both top roles. The pick comes as Reynolds prepares to deliver her priorities for the 2025 legislative session and as she gears up for an expected reelection campaign in 2026.

Leaders from across the state offered congratulatory messages, praising Cournoyer for her experience and knowledge.