Gov. Kim Reynolds names Iowa Sen. Chris Cournoyer as lieutenant governor

• Cournoyer will serve as second-in-command until the next gubernatorial election in 2026.
• This is the first time in state history that women have served in both top roles.

State of play: Cournoyer, 54, graduated from the University of Texas with a computer science degree and worked as a senior consultant at a Fortune 500 firm, Radio Iowa reports.

• She built her own business as an independent website designer, served as her local school board's president and is a former reserve sheriff.
• She was elected into the Iowa Senate in 2018.

What they're saying: "I can't wait to deploy Chris' extensive experience on key legislative committees, including Ways and Means, and expertise in technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence on a wide range of issues important to Iowans," Reynolds said in a statement.

The intrigue: Gregg's resignation was a major signal that Reynolds plans on running for reelection again for a third term, rather than stepping aside to allow him to run for governor, the Register reports.