Des Moines, Iowa (KMTV) - Iowa Governor Terry Branstad received 82 votes from the U.S. Senate Monday to be confirmed as the United States ambassador to China.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a boy from a small farm in Leland, Iowa, would one day have the opportunity to represent my country and my state on the world stage, working closely with one of the world’s most influential countries and one of America’s largest trading partners. None of this would have been possible without the dedicated love and support of my wife Chris and my family," Branstad said in a statement.
Brandstad plans to travel to every province in China and is resigning as Governor Wednesday.
Upon his resignation, Lieutenant Governor Kin Reynolds will become the next Governor of Iowa.
The Republican Party of Iowa will host Reynolds' Inaugural Celebration on June 2. All Federal and Statewide elected officials have been invited.
Reynolds will be the 43rd Governor of Iowa and the state's first female Governor.
