GOP Iowa Rep. Steve King is considering running for governor of the Hawkeye State as Iowa Republican Gov. Terry Branstad was drafted by the Trump administration to serve as the U.S. ambassador to China.
Under Iowa’s state policy, Lt.Gov Kim Reynolds will fill the role for the remainder of Branstad’s term, meaning King would be throwing his hat in the ring for the 2018 election cycle.
“The thought is in my mind. Immediately, it locks in there,” he told The Hill Wednesday. “But I don’t want to send any message that I’m making plans actively.”
King, a staunch conservative, has mulled running for the position in the past. He was elected to the lower chamber in 2002 where he has served on top committees and is a member of the Republican Study Committee, the Tea Party Caucus and the Pro-life Caucus.
Branstad — who has long standing ties with China, having worked with President Xi Jinping for nearly 30 years — confirmed he plans to accept the position, The New York Times reports.
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