Editing Terry Branstad

{{Short description|American politician & diplomat (born 1946)}}
{{redirect|Branstad}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Terry Branstad
| image               = Terry Branstad official photo.jpg
| caption             = Official portrait, 2017
| office              = 12th [[United States Ambassador to China]]
| president           = [[Donald Trump]]
| term_start          = July 12, 2017<!-- Like all ambassadors, Branstad didn't formally assume office until he presented his credentials to the head of the entity he was accredited to, in this case to the President of China. That occurred on July 12, 2017. The swearing-in ceremony on May 24, 2017, was just the formal promulgation of the State Department to dispense him as its representative. See: [[Diplomatic accreditation]] and [[Diplomatic credentials]]. -->
| term_end            = October 4, 2020
| predecessor         = [[Max Baucus]]
| successor           = [[R. Nicholas Burns]]
| order1              = 39th & 42nd [[List of governors of Iowa|Governor of Iowa]]
| lieutenant1         = Kim Reynolds
| term_start1         = January 14, 2011
| term_end1           = May 24, 2017
| predecessor1        = [[Chet Culver]]
| successor1          = [[Kim Reynolds]]
| lieutenant2         = [[Robert T. Anderson|Robert Anderson]]<br>[[Jo Ann Zimmerman]]<br>[[Joy Corning]]
| term_start2         = January 14, 1983
| term_end2           = January 15, 1999
| predecessor2        = [[Robert D. Ray|Robert Ray]]
| successor2          = [[Tom Vilsack]]
| title3              = President of [[Des Moines University]]
| term_start3         = August 9, 2003
| term_end3           = October 16, 2009
| predecessor3        = Richard M. Ryan Jr.
| successor3          = Steve Dengle<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dmu.edu/dose/2009/10/des-moines-university-president-terry-branstad-retires/|title = Des Moines University President Terry Branstad retires &#124; News &#124; des Moines University|date = October 16, 2009}}</ref>
| office4             = Chair of the [[National Governors Association]]
| term_start4         = August 1, 1989
| term_end4           = July 31, 1990
| predecessor4        = [[Gerald Baliles]]
| successor4          = [[Booth Gardner]]
| office5             = 40th [[List of lieutenant governors of Iowa|Lieutenant Governor of Iowa]]
| governor5           = [[Robert D. Ray]] <!-- Don't add link per MOS:OVERLINK. -->
| term_start5         = January 12, 1979
| term_end5           = January 14, 1983
| predecessor5        = [[Arthur A. Neu]]
| successor5          = Robert Anderson
| state_house6        = Iowa
| district6           = [[Iowa House of Representatives, District 8|8th]]
| term_start6         = January 8, 1973
| term_end6           = January 7, 1979
| predecessor6        = [[Del Stromer]]
| successor6          = [[Clifford Branstad]]
| birth_name          = Terry Edward Branstad
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1946|11|17}}
| birth_place         = [[Leland, Iowa]], U.S.
| death_date          = 
| death_place         = 
| party               = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Christine Branstad|Christine Johnson]]|1972}}
| children            = 3, including [[Eric Branstad|Eric]]
| education           = [[University of Iowa]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[Drake University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]])
| allegiance          = United States
| branch              = [[United States Army]]
| unit                = 503rd Military Police Battalion
| serviceyears        = 1969–1971
| mawards             = [[Commendation Medal|Army Commendation Medal]]
}}

'''Terry Edward Branstad''' (born November 17, 1946) is a retired American politician who served as the 39th and 42nd [[List of governors of Iowa|governor of Iowa]] (1983&ndash;1999; 2011&ndash;2017) and the [[List of ambassadors of the United States to China|United States ambassador to China]] (2017–2020). A member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]], Branstad is the [[List of longest-serving governors of U.S. states|longest-serving governor]] in United States history, with a total gubernatorial tenure of 22 years, 4 months, and 13 days.

Branstad served three terms in the [[Iowa House of Representatives]] and one term as the 40th [[List of lieutenant governors of Iowa|lieutenant governor of Iowa]] before he was elected governor in [[1982 Iowa gubernatorial election|1982]]. At age 36, he was the youngest governor in Iowa history upon taking office. After 16 years as governor, he served as president of [[Des Moines University]], a private medical osteopathic school, from 2003 to 2009. In 2010, Branstad returned to Iowa politics, running for governor again and [[2010 Iowa gubernatorial election|defeating]] Democratic incumbent [[Chet Culver]] to become the state's 42nd governor.

In December 2016, president-elect [[Donald Trump]] nominated Branstad to serve as the United States Ambassador to China. Branstad resigned as governor of Iowa on May 24, 2017, and was sworn in as the United States ambassador to China on July 12, 2017. In 2020, Branstad resigned from his post to work on former President Trump's [[Donald Trump 2020 presidential campaign|2020 reelection campaign]]. Branstad retired from public life in 2025.

== Early life ==
Branstad was born in [[Leland, Iowa]]. His father was Edward Arnold Branstad, a farmer; his mother was Rita (née Garland).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/10/20/how-old-is-terry-branstad/ |title=U.S. Political News, Opinion and Analysis – HuffPost Politics |website=Politicsdaily.com |access-date=February 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://governor.iowa.gov/2013/07/edward-branstad-1924-2013/ |title=Edward Branstad (1924–2013) |website=Governor.iowa.gov |date=July 26, 2013 |access-date=February 8, 2016 |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125025843/https://governor.iowa.gov/2013/07/edward-branstad-1924-2013/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Branstad's mother was Jewish, and his father was a [[Norwegian American]] [[Lutheran]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://carrollspaper.com/Content/Opinion-Archive/Opinion/Article/What-if-Terry-Branstad-were-a-Jewish-Latvian-/4/4/10921|title=What if Terry Branstad were a Jewish Latvian? – Daily Times Herald|website=carrollspaper.com|language=en-us|access-date=February 20, 2017|archive-date=August 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824112849/http://carrollspaper.com/Content/Opinion-Archive/Opinion/Article/What-if-Terry-Branstad-were-a-Jewish-Latvian-/4/4/10921|url-status=dead}}</ref> Branstad was raised Lutheran and later converted to Catholicism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://carrollspaper.com/Content/Local-News-Archive/Politics/Article/Gov-Knocking-down-commercial-property-tax-a-priority-in-2012/1/335/13023 |title=Gov: Knocking down commercial property tax a priority in 2012 |website=Carrollspaper.com |date=November 22, 2011 |access-date=February 8, 2016 |archive-date=February 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219184025/http://carrollspaper.com/Content/Local-News-Archive/Politics/Article/Gov-Knocking-down-commercial-property-tax-a-priority-in-2012/1/335/13023 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He is a second cousin of [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[United States Attorney General|Attorney General]] [[Merrick Garland]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=McKinney |first1=Kait |title=Branstad Has Unique Connection to SCOTUS Nominee Merrick Garland|url=http://whotv.com/2016/03/16/branstad-has-unique-connection-to-scotus-nominee-merrick-garland/ |work=WHO-HD Channel 13 |date=March 16, 2016 |access-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-date=March 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321000616/http://whotv.com/2016/03/16/branstad-has-unique-connection-to-scotus-nominee-merrick-garland/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Education ==
Branstad received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the [[University of Iowa]] in 1969 and a Juris Doctor from [[Drake University Law School]] in 1974.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://clas.uiowa.edu/polisci/alumni/alumni-awards|title=Alumni Awards {{!}} Department of Political Science {{!}} College of Liberal Arts & Sciences {{!}} The University of Iowa|website=clas.uiowa.edu|language=en|access-date=February 20, 2017}}</ref><ref name="PVSTBranstad">{{cite web|url= http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=21728|title=Governor Terry E. Branstad (IA)|publisher=Project Vote Smart|access-date=January 15, 2011}}</ref> He was [[Conscription in the United States#Vietnam War|drafted]] after college and served in the [[United States Army]] from 1969 to 1971 as a [[Military Police Corps (United States)|military policeman]] in the 503rd Military Police Battalion at [[Fort Bragg]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whotv.com/2013/11/11/veterans-day-honoring-our-heroes/ |title=VETERANS DAY: Honoring Our Heroes |website=Whotv.com |date=November 11, 2013 |access-date=February 8, 2016}}</ref> He was awarded the [[Army Commendation Medal]] for meritorious service; he once recalled that he arrested actress [[Jane Fonda]] for coming onto the post at [[Arlington National Cemetery]], where she was planning to attend an [[anti-war protest|antiwar protest]].<ref>Multiple sources:
*{{cite web|title=Gov. Terry Branstad|url=http://www.togovern.com/gov-terry-branstad.html|publisher=Togovern.com|access-date=November 2, 2013}}
*{{cite web|title=Executive Branch Elected Officials |url=https://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/Resources/Register/Chapter_1_Elected_Officials.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408235541/http://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/Resources/Register/Chapter_1_Elected_Officials.pdf |archive-date=2010-04-08 |url-status=live|work=[[Iowa Official Register]]|publisher=[[Government of Iowa]]|access-date=November 2, 2013|page=3|quote=[...] Served in the United States Army as a military policeman 1969–1971, earning rank as Sergeant E-5. [...]}}
*{{cite news|title=Terry Branstad (R) > Background|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/terry-branstad-r/gIQAjKXZKP_topic.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916181337/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/terry-branstad-r/gIQAjKXZKP_topic.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 16, 2014|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=November 2, 2013|quote=[...] After college, Branstad served in the Army for two years and received the Army Commendation Medal. [...]|date=July 23, 2012}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=1983–1999, 2011– Terry Branstad|url=http://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/49779|work=Iowa Heritage Digital Collections|publisher=[[State Library of Iowa]]|access-date=November 2, 2013|quote=[...] Following two years in the U.S. Army, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Branstad earned his J.D. degree from the Drake University Law School. [...]}}</ref>

==Early political career==
Branstad served three terms in the [[Iowa House of Representatives]] from 1973 to 1979 and was the [[Lieutenant Governor of Iowa]] from 1979 to 1983, the year he was first elected governor.<ref name="PVSTBranstad" />

== Governor of Iowa ==

===First tenure (1983–1999)===
{{See also|1982 Iowa gubernatorial election|1986 Iowa gubernatorial election|1990 Iowa gubernatorial election|1994 Iowa gubernatorial election}}
[[File:Terry Branstad attends recommissioning ceremony for USS Iowa, Apr 28, 1984.JPEG|thumb|left|150px|Branstad attending the recommissioning ceremony for the {{USS|Iowa|BB-61|6}}, April 28, 1984]]
[[File:Bill Clinton with Terry Branstad.jpg|thumb|right|Branstad with [[President of the United States|President]] [[Bill Clinton]] in 1993]]
When he took office as governor at age 36, Branstad became the youngest chief executive in Iowa's history.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/kyle-munson/2015/12/14/iowa-governor-terry-branstad-longest-serving-in-america/76718090/|title=Landmark longevity: Branstad seals governor tenure record|newspaper=Des Moines Register|access-date=February 20, 2017|language=en}}</ref> Reelected in 1986, 1990, and 1994, he left office as Iowa's longest-serving governor. He served as Chairman of the [[National Governors Association]] in 1989–1990, and also was Chair of the [[Midwestern Governors Association]]. In 1997 he chaired the [[Education Commission of the States]], the [[Republican Governors Association]], and the Governors' Ethanol Coalition.

In 1983 Branstad vetoed a bill to establish a state lottery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xFcrAAAAIBAJ&pg=4172,3050692&dq=terry+branstad&hl=en|title=Branstad Vetoes State Lottery |work=The Daily Record|date=June 1, 1983|access-date=July 19, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Branstad made [[Capital punishment in Iowa|reinstatement of the death penalty]] a central focus of his 1994 re-election campaign; however, despite successfully being re-elected, he was unable to implement this policy due to opposition from Democrats in the [[Iowa Senate|Iowa State Senate]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://globegazette.com/news/iowa/branstad-says-death-penalty-push-unlikely-in/article_2ca9f15a-42fd-11e2-afc3-0019bb2963f4.html|title=Branstad says death penalty push unlikely in 2013|date=10 Dec 2012|work=Mason City Globe Gazette|access-date=2019-05-10|language=en}}</ref>

Iowa's unemployment rate went from 8.5% when Branstad took office to a record low 2.5% by the time he left office in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2000/feb/wk5/art03.htm|title=Iowa reports lowest unemployment rate in 1999 : The Economics Daily : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics|website=www.bls.gov|language=en-us|access-date=February 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.president.iastate.edu/archives/12/install/branstad|title=Gov. Terry Branstad {{!}} Office of the President|website=www.president.iastate.edu|language=en-us|access-date=February 20, 2017}}</ref> In his first year as governor, the state budget had a $90&nbsp;million deficit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=AlwrAAAAIBAJ&pg=1709,2733262&dq=terry+branstad+budget&hl=en |title=The Daily Reporter – Google News Archive Search |access-date=July 19, 2013}}</ref> It took several years until the budget was balanced. Branstad said he did not have enough support in the [[Iowa Legislature|legislature]] to approve budget reforms until 1992. By 1999 Iowa had an unprecedented $900&nbsp;million budget surplus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://governor.iowa.gov/about/ |title=About the Governor ★ Governor Branstad |publisher=Governor.iowa.gov |access-date=July 19, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://iowaindependent.com/37386/fact-check-culver-and-branstad-turn-hostile-over-budget-records |title=Fact Check: Culver and Branstad turn hostile over budget records |publisher=Iowa Independent |date=January 21, 2010 |access-date=July 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729084621/http://iowaindependent.com/37386/fact-check-culver-and-branstad-turn-hostile-over-budget-records |archive-date=July 29, 2012  }}</ref>

===Inter-gubernatorial career===
[[File:Fred Thompson with Terry Branstad and Bob Ray.jpg|thumb|left|Branstad (left) with [[Fred Thompson]] and [[Robert D. Ray]] in 2007]]
Branstad focused most of his efforts outside of politics after leaving office in early 1999. He founded Branstad and Associates, LLC<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/108727325/|title=The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa on May 18, 2014 &middot; Page I5|newspaper=Newspapers.com |access-date=February 21, 2017|language=en}}</ref> and was also a partner in the firm of Kaufman, Pattee, Branstad & Miller<ref>{{Cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030527005497/en/Terry-Branstad-Elected-AICPA-Board-Directors|title=Terry Branstad Elected to AICPA Board of Directors|website=www.businesswire.com|language=en|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref> and a financial advisor for [[Robert W. Baird and Co.]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=667698&privcapId=58002027|title=Terry E. Branstad: Executive Profile & Biography – Bloomberg|website=www.bloomberg.com|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref>

In August 2003 Branstad accepted an offer from [[Des Moines University]] to become its president.<ref name=":1" /> On October 16, 2009, he announced his retirement from Des Moines University to run again for governor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dmu.edu/news/index.php/2009/10/16/des-moines-university-president-terry-branstad-retires/ |title=Des Moines University President Terry Branstad retires – DMU News & Events|publisher=Dmu.edu|date=October 16, 2009|access-date=August 29, 2010}}</ref>

President [[George W. Bush]] appointed Branstad to chair the [[President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Archived: Governor Terry Branstad of Iowa – Chair of the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education|url=http://www2.ed.gov/inits/commissionsboards/whspecialeducation/bios/branstad.html|work=President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education|publisher=[[United States Department of Education]]|access-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021007231906/http://www.ed.gov/inits/commissionsboards/whspecialeducation/bios/branstad.html|archive-date=October 7, 2002 |date=December 13, 2001}}</ref> The commission was charged with developing a plan to improve the educational performance of students with disabilities. After completing his work with the commission in 2003, Branstad was asked to serve as a member of the National Advisory Council for Positive Action for Teen Health, or PATH. The advisory council encourages action to detect adolescent mental illness. In April 2003 Branstad was named a public member of the [[American Institute of Certified Public Accountants]], which comprises both professional and public members who address a variety of issues related to accounting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iowaheritage.org/items/show/49796|title=2011– Terry Branstad · Iowa Heritage Digital Collections|website=www.iowaheritage.org|access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref>

Branstad serves on the boards of Conmed Health Management Inc,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111214201503/http://www.conmedinc.com/about_team.php] About Team.{{cbignore}}</ref> [[American Future Fund]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lectures.americanfuturefund.com/about |title=About the Lecture Series : AFF Conservative Lecture Series |access-date=February 6, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225210711/http://lectures.americanfuturefund.com/about |archive-date=December 25, 2014  }}</ref> the [[Iowa Health System]], [[Liberty Bank]], the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aicpa.org/About/Governance/BoardofDirectors/Pages/2009-2010%20AICPA%20Board%20of%20Directors.aspx |title=2009–2010 AICPA Board of Directors |publisher=Aicpa.org |date=September 18, 2006 |access-date=August 29, 2010 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> and [[Living History Farms]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lhf.org/en/about_us/board_members/|title=Board Members – Living History Farms|last=globalreach.com|first=Global Reach Internet Productions, LLC – Ames, IA -|website=www.lhf.org|access-date=February 21, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222053411/http://www.lhf.org/en/about_us/board_members/|archive-date=February 22, 2017}}</ref>

===Second tenure (2011–2017)===
Brandstad surpassed [[George Clinton (vice president)|George Clinton]]'s record as longest serving governor of the United States of 20 years, and 11 months, and 2 days on 14 December 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://smartpolitics.lib.umn.edu/2017/05/29/the-top-50-longest-serving-governors-in-us-history-updated/|title = The Top 50 Longest Serving Governors in US History (Updated)|author= Dr. [[Eric Ostermeier]]|publisher= [[Smart Politics (news site)|Smart Politics]]|date = May 29, 2017}}</ref>
====2010 gubernatorial election====
{{See also|2010 Iowa gubernatorial election}}
[[File:Terry Branstad by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|Branstad in 2011]]
On August 2, 2009, ''[[The Des Moines Register]]'' reported that Branstad was actively considering seeking the Republican nomination for governor. On October 7, Branstad filed papers to run for governor in the 2010 election.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2009/10/07/branstad-files-paperwork-for-gubernatorial-run|title=Branstad Files Paperwork for Gubernatorial Run|publisher=Theiowarepublican.com|date=October 7, 2009|access-date=August 29, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306232352/http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2009/10/07/branstad-files-paperwork-for-gubernatorial-run/|archive-date=March 6, 2010}}</ref> According to a September ''Des Moines Register'' poll, he maintained a 70% favorability rating from Iowans as compared to Governor [[Chet Culver]]'s rating of 50%.<ref>{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=Beaumont|url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090919/NEWS/90919016/Culver-rating-slips-poll-gives-Branstad-positive-signs|title=Culver rating slips; poll gives Branstad positive signs|work=[[Des Moines Register]]|date=September 19, 2009|access-date=February 15, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629001249/http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090919/NEWS/90919016/Culver-rating-slips-poll-gives-Branstad-positive-signs|archive-date=June 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Register |first=The Des Moines |title=Meet the Candidate: Iowa Governor: Terry Branstad, Republican |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2014/05/09/iowa-election-terry-branstad-bio-issues/8926907/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=The Des Moines Register |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tompkins |first=Courtney |date=2009-10-16 |title=Des Moines University President Terry Branstad retires {{!}} News {{!}} Des Moines University |url=https://www.dmu.edu/blog/2009/10/des-moines-university-president-terry-branstad-retires/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=www.dmu.edu |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2010/govorr.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425023405/http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2010/govorr.pdf |archive-date=2012-04-25 |url-status=live|title=2010 Official Canvass by County – Governor |publisher=[[Iowa Secretary of State]]'s Office|date=November 29, 2010|access-date=October 6, 2014}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://elections.nytimes.com/2010/results/iowa|title=Iowa Election Results 2010|access-date=October 6, 2014|work=The New York Times}}</ref>

On June 8, 2010, Branstad won the Republican gubernatorial nomination,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kcrg.com/news/local/95924319.html|publisher=KCRG.com|title=Republicans Nominate Branstad for Iowa Governor|date=June 8, 2010|access-date=June 8, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315095320/http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/95924319.html|archive-date=March 15, 2012}}</ref> but when opposing candidate [[Bob Vander Plaats]] conceded, he did not endorse Branstad.<ref>[http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/06/08/the-new-vander-plaats-question-will-he-back-branstad ‘The new Vander Plaats question: Will he back Branstad?’] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130121104240/http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/06/08/the-new-vander-plaats-question-will-he-back-branstad |date=January 21, 2013 }}, blog post by Reid Forgrave, ''The Des Moines Register'', June 8, 2010. Retrieved June 9, 2010.</ref>

The Des Moines [[Tea Party movement|Tea Party]] gave Branstad a "no" on their report card regarding "criteria for acceptance" and said Branstad had "a history of raising taxes, [was] not a true conservative, increased the size of government every year he held office, [and] built a state-owned phone company."<ref>Multiple sources:
*{{cite web|last=Obradovich|first=Kathie|title=DM Tea Party scorecard: 'No' to Branstad, Roberts|url=http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/06/02/dm-tea-party-scorecard-no-to-branstad-roberts/article|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131104100614/http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/06/02/dm-tea-party-scorecard-no-to-branstad-roberts/article|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 4, 2013|work=[[Des Moines Register]]|access-date=November 2, 2013|date=June 2, 2010|quote=[...] About Branstad, the group says, among other things, 'History of raising taxes, not a true conservative, increased the size of government each year he held office, built a state-owned phone company.' [...]}}
*{{cite web|title=Des Moines Tea Party's Candidate Report Card|url=http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/teapartyscorecard.pdf|work=[[Des Moines Register]]|access-date=July 19, 2013|date=June 2010}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
*{{cite web|url=http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2010/06/03/des-moines-tea-party-credibility-questioned-following-candidate-report-card|title=Des Moines Tea Party Credibility Questioned Following Candidate Report Card|publisher=Theiowarepublican.com|access-date=August 29, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100608190723/http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2010/06/03/des-moines-tea-party-credibility-questioned-following-candidate-report-card/|archive-date=June 8, 2010}}
*{{cite web|title=Home – The Des Moines Tea Party|url=http://www.desmoinesteaparty.org/|work=The Des Moines Tea Party|access-date=November 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104052225/http://www.desmoinesteaparty.org/|archive-date=November 4, 2013|date=April 15, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Former Iowa [[State Auditor of Iowa|State Auditor]] Richard Johnson accused Branstad of keeping "two sets of books" on the state budget while governor. Johnson said Branstad needed to be "transparent" to Iowa voters about the reporting of Iowa's finances during his tenure as governor.<ref>{{cite web|last=Clayworth|first=Jason|title=Accounting controversy still dogs Branstad|url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100612/NEWS10/6120319/-1/WESTDESMOINES/Accounting-controversy-still-dogs-Branstad|work=[[The Des Moines Register]]|access-date=November 2, 2013|location=Des Moines, Iowa|page=A.1|format=Abstract|date=June 12, 2010}}{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://www.proquest.com/docview/367208400 Alt URL]</ref>

====2014 gubernatorial election====
{{See also|2014 Iowa gubernatorial election}}
[[File:Roast and Ride (29220844391).jpg|thumb|Branstad speaking at the 2016 Roast and Ride, hosted by U.S. Senator [[Joni Ernst]]]]
Branstad ran for reelection in 2014. He was opposed in the Republican primary by [[Tom Hoefling]], a political activist and nominee for president in [[2012 United States presidential election|2012]] for both America's Party and [[American Independent Party]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hayworth: Republican Hoefling aiming to challenge Branstad in 2014|url=http://siouxcityjournal.com/blogs/politically_speaking/hayworth-republican-hoefling-aiming-to-challenge-branstad-in/article_53a6803b-2ae7-5a6a-815a-489111790220.html |work=Sioux City Journal |date=March 4, 2014 |access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref> Branstad won the primary with 83% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jason |title=Terry Branstad breezes to primary win, will face Jack Hatch |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/elections/2014/06/03/iowa-primary-governor-results/9939083/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=The Des Moines Register |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the general election, Branstad faced Democratic nominee State Senator [[Jack Hatch]] and won with 59% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jason |title=Terry Branstad re-elected to historic sixth term |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/2014/11/04/iowa-governor-terry-branstad-reelected-historic-win/18490693/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=The Des Moines Register |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jason |title=Iowa governor Terry Branstad wins historic sixth term |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2014/11/04/iowa-governor-terry-branstad-reelected-to-historic-sixth-term/18504707/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Voting rights ====
Branstad rescinded an executive order signed by governor [[Tom Vilsack]] that restored voting rights to approximately 115,000 felons who had completed their sentences.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|first=Rod|last=Boshart|title=Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signs order restoring felon voting rights|url=https://qctimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/iowa-gov-kim-reynolds-signs-order-restoring-felon-voting-rights/article_cec6af1b-a0b5-5019-80f9-ae4b89f7c9e7.html|access-date=August 5, 2020|website=The Quad-City Times|date=August 5, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Iowa was the last remaining state to have felons permanently disenfranchised until 2020, when Branstad's successor, Kim Reynolds, restored voting rights for some felons who had completed their sentences.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite news|title=Governor Acts To Restore Voting Rights To Iowans With Felony Convictions|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/08/05/899284703/governor-acts-to-restore-voting-rights-to-iowans-with-past-felony-convictions|access-date=August 5, 2020|website=NPR.org|language=en}}</ref>

==== Taxes ====
In June 2013, Branstad signed into law a sweeping tax reform bill that had widespread bipartisan support, passing the Iowa Senate by 44 votes to 6 and the Iowa House by 84 votes to 13.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=SF295&ga=85|title=Iowa Legislature – BillBook|website=www.legis.iowa.gov|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref> The bill, Senate File 295,<ref name=":2" /> provided for the state's largest tax cut in history, including an estimated $4.4&nbsp;billion in property tax reform<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/elections/2014/10/16/hatch-branstad-differ-widely-economy/17341653/|title=Hatch, Branstad differ widely on economy|newspaper=Lansing State Journal|access-date=February 21, 2017|language=en}}</ref> and an estimated $90&nbsp;million of annual income tax relief, in part in the form of an increase in the earned income tax credit.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/update-often-rancorous-iowa-legislative-session-praised-for-results/article_8f5c78dc-c380-11e2-a59c-0019bb2963f4.amp.html|title=UPDATE: Often rancorous Iowa legislative session praised for results|website=wcfcourier.com|date=May 23, 2013 |language=en|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref> The bill also included significant reforms to education and health care.<ref name=":3" />

====Job creation ranking====
A June 2013 ''[[The Business Journals|Business Journals]]'' analysis of 45 of the country's 50 governors ranked Branstad 28th in job creation.<ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/on-numbers/scott-thomas/2013/06/governors-ranked-by-private-sector-job.html|title = How state governors rank on their job-growth record|last = Thomas|first = G. Scott|date = June 27, 2013|journal = The Business Journals|access-date = November 3, 2015}}</ref> The ranking was based on a comparison of the annual private sector growth rate in all 50 states using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.<ref>{{Cite journal|url = http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/on-numbers/scott-thomas/2013/06/28-terry-branstad.html|title = 28. Terry Branstad – Governors ranked by their job-creation records|last = Thomas|first = G. Scott|date = June 27, 2013|journal = The Business Journals|access-date = November 3, 2013}}</ref>

====Gun rights====
On April 13, 2017, with large Republican majorities in the Iowa legislature,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/politics/election/iowa-statehouse/gops-state-trifecta-has-its-own-challenges-its-not-all-roses-and-sunshine-recalls-leader-from-20-years-ago-20161128|title=GOP's state trifecta has its own challenges 'It's not all roses and sunshine,' recalls leader from 20 years ago {{!}} The Gazette|newspaper=The Gazette|access-date=February 21, 2017}}</ref><ref name="RussellNov2016">{{cite web | last1=Russell | first1=Joyce | title=Iowa Senate Turns Republican in Tuesday Voting | url=http://iowapublicradio.org/post/iowa-senate-turns-republican-tuesday-voting#stream/0 | date=November 9, 2016 | publisher=[[Iowa Public Radio]] | access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref> Branstad signed a bill into law expanding [[Gun politics in the United States|gun rights]], enacting a [[stand-your-ground law]], expanding the right of citizens to sue if they believe their [[Second Amendment to the United States Constitution|Second Amendment]] rights are being infringed, and expanding the gun rights of minors, among several other provisions.<ref>{{cite web | last1=De Lea | first1=Brittany | title=Iowa Passes Massive Expansion of Gun Rights, More States to Follow? | url=http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/04/13/iowa-passes-massive-expansion-gun-rights-more-states-to-follow.html | date=April 13, 2017 | publisher=[[Fox Business Network]] | access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref>

====Bakken pipeline====
Branstad's business-friendly appointments to the [[Iowa Utilities Board]] were controversial. They have "virtually assured" approval of the Iowa section of the  Dakota Access pipeline. His last appointment was that of [[Richard W. Lozier Jr.]], who represented a pro-pipeline lobby group and who had to recuse himself one month after he joined in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Petroski |first=William |title=Iowa regulator recuses himself from Dakota Access Pipeline case |language=en-US |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/06/14/iowa-regulator-recuses-himself-dakota-access-pipeline-case/397053001/ |access-date=2023-08-30}}</ref>

====Discrimination lawsuit====
On July 15, 2019, a jury in [[Polk County, Iowa|Polk County]], Iowa awarded a gay former state official $1.5&nbsp;million in damages, finding that Branstad had discriminated against him based on sexual orientation in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2019/07/15/terry-branstad-gay-official-discrimination-chris-godfrey-workers-compensation-commissioner-verdict/1714302001/|title=Jury decides Terry Branstad discriminated against gay employee as governor, awards employee $1.5 million|website=[[The Des Moines Register]]}}</ref>

== U.S. Ambassador to China ==
{{multiple image|direction=vertical|
|image1=Terry Branstad official photo.jpg|caption1=Terry Branstad's official 2017 portrait as U.S. Ambassador to China|alt1=See caption
|image2=Secretary Perdue welcomes Amb. to China Terry Branstad 20170530-OSEC-LSC-0012 (34833951462).jpg|caption2=Branstad meeting with [[United States Secretary of Agriculture|U.S. Secretary of Agriculture]] [[Sonny Perdue]], May 30, 2017|alt2=See caption
|image3=Terry Branstad with Justin Trudeau - 2017 (24042076627).jpg|caption3=Terry Branstad with Prime Minister of Canada [[Justin Trudeau]], 2017|alt3=See image}}
In December 2016 President-elect [[Donald Trump]] chose Branstad to serve as [[United States Ambassador to China|US Ambassador to China]], succeeding [[Max Baucus]].<ref>https://share.america.gov December 8, 2016: : [https://share.america.gov/trumps-choice-for-top-china-diplomat/ Trump’s choice for top China diplomat has long ties to Xi]</ref> Branstad accepted the offer within one day after meeting with Trump in New York.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://www.iowastatedaily.com/news/politics_and_administration/state/article_0974d82c-bc8d-11e6-becc-f342b1d93159.html|title=Branstad chosen as Chinese ambassador; Reynolds to become first female governor|last=Hanson|first=Alex|newspaper=Iowa State Daily|access-date=February 21, 2017|language=en}}</ref> Trump cited Branstad's decades of experience with China while governor of Iowa.<ref name=":4" /> [[Xi Jinping]], China's [[paramount leader]], considers Branstad an "old friend".<ref>{{cite news|author1=V.V.B.|title=Damage control: An "old friend" of Xi Jinping will be America's next ambassador to China|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2016/12/damage-control|access-date=December 10, 2016|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=December 8, 2016}}</ref> Branstad's relationship with Xi dates to 1985, when Xi, then a young official from Hebei Province, headed a five-man agricultural delegation to Iowa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/us/2012-02/09/content_14568749.htm|title=Xi to revisit Iowa after memorable trip 27 years ago{{!}}Center{{!}}chinadaily.com.cn|website=usa.chinadaily.com.cn|access-date=February 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301104104/http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/us/2012-02/09/content_14568749.htm|archive-date=March 1, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Branstad's hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee was held on May 2, 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pfannenstiel|first1=Brianne|title=Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad draws praise in hearings to be ambassador to China|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/05/02/iowa-governor-terry-branstad-ambassador-hearing/309000001/|access-date=May 12, 2017|newspaper=USA Today|date=May 2, 2017}}</ref>

Branstad was confirmed by the Senate on May 22, 2017, in an 82 to 13 vote.<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 115th Congress - 1st Session|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=115&session=1&vote=00133|access-date=2020-11-24|website=www.senate.gov}}</ref> He resigned as governor on May 24, 2017, in a ceremony at the Iowa State House, and was immediately sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to China. His appointment marked the third time in a decade that a politician resigned a statewide office to become the Ambassador to China; [[Jon Huntsman Jr.]] resigned as [[governor of Utah]] in 2009, and [[Max Baucus]] resigned as [[List of former United States senators|U.S. senator]] from [[List of United States Senators from Montana|Montana]] in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jason |title=Terry Branstad to serve as Trump's China ambassador |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2016/12/07/reports-trump-offers-branstad-china-ambassador-position/95042390/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=The Des Moines Register |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=David Culver and Steven Jiang|title=Outgoing US ambassador to China blames Beijing for coronavirus as he heads home to help Trump|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/18/asia/china-us-ambassador-terry-branstad-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=2020-09-18|website=CNN|date=September 18, 2020 }}</ref>

In October 2018, the ''[[Financial Times]]'' reported that Branstad opposed a proposal by White House Senior Advisor [[Stephen Miller (political advisor)|Stephen Miller]] about stopping providing student visas to Chinese nationals, making it impossible for Chinese citizens to study in the United States. Branstad argued that such a ban would harm US trade to China and hurt small American universities more than the elite ones.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sevastopulo |first1=Demetri |last2=Mitchell |first2=Tom |date=October 2, 2018 |title=US considered ban on student visas for Chinese nationals |url=https://www.ft.com/content/fc413158-c5f1-11e8-82bf-ab93d0a9b321 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714222943/https://www.ft.com/content/fc413158-c5f1-11e8-82bf-ab93d0a9b321 |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |access-date=October 2, 2018 |website=[[Financial Times]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In May 2019, Branstad traveled to [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] amid heightening trade tensions between the United States and China. This diplomatic journey was designed to give the United States a better perception of [[Tibet]] and its people, cultural practices, and life.

Branstad stepped down as U.S. Ambassador to China<ref>{{cite news|first1=David|last1=Culver|first2=Ben|last2=Westcott|title=US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad stepping down as tensions with Beijing rise|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/14/politics/terry-branstad-china-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=September 14, 2020|work=[[CNN]]|date=September 14, 2020}}</ref> in early October 2020, at the request of President [[Donald Trump]] to help with his 2020 presidential campaign.<ref name="KenM">{{cite news|url= https://thediplomat.com/2020/09/us-ambassador-to-china-will-step-down-in-october/ |last1=Moritsugu |first1=Ken |title=US Ambassador to China Will Step Down in October |access-date=15 September 2020 |publisher=The Diplomat |date=September 14, 2020}}</ref>

== Post-government career and Retirement ==
On January 24, 2023, it was announced that Branstad would become president of the [[World Food Prize]] Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joens |first=Philip |title=Former Iowa Gov., U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad named World Food Prize president |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2023/01/24/terry-branstad-named-world-food-prize-president-former-iowa-governor/69837472007/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=The Des Moines Register |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad appointed president of World Food Prize Foundation |url=https://www.thegazette.com/news/former-iowa-gov-terry-branstad-appointed-president-of-world-food-prize-foundation/ |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.thegazette.com |language=en-US}}</ref> 

Branstad announced his retirement on November 19, 2024, and formally retired in February 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.worldfoodprize.org/index.cfm/87428/49175/world_food_prize_foundation_announces_leadership_changes | title=World Food Prize Foundation Announces Leadership Changes }}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Branstad married [[Christine Branstad|Christine Johnson]] on June 17, 1972. They have three children, [[Eric Branstad|Eric]], Allison, and Marcus, and eight grandchildren. His wife has worked as a medical assistant and as a volunteer at schools and hospitals.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141109150646/http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/spouses-bios/col2-content/main-content-list/christine-branstad.html Christine Branstad (Iowa)] Archived from [http://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/spouses-bios/col2-content/main-content-list/christine-branstad.html the original] on November 9, 2014</ref> Eric Branstad is a [[Political consulting|political consultant]] and [[Lobbying|lobbyist]] whose lobbying activities on behalf of Chinese firms while Branstad was [[United States Ambassador to China|US Ambassador to China]] led to charges with conflict of interest.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last1=Hvistendahl |first1=Mara |last2=Fang |first2=Lee |title=The China Ambassador's Son Who Got Rich in Trump's Swamp |url=https://theintercept.com/2020/10/15/eric-branstad-trump-china-ambassador/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=The Intercept |date=October 15, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Petroski |first=William |title=Report: Branstad's son, Eric, used Trump ties seeking business in China |url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2018/06/29/terry-branstad-son-eric-branstad-donald-trump-administration-business-china/747749002/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=The Des Moines Register |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Areddy |first=James T. |title=Eric Branstad, Son of U.S. Envoy to China, Used Trump Ties to Lure Business |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/son-of-u-s-envoy-to-china-used-trump-ties-to-lure-business-1530306803 |access-date=2023-01-17 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=June 29, 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> Branstad denied the allegation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Zachary Oren |title='My son has done nothing to profit from China,' former ambassador to China Terry Branstad of Eric Branstad |url=https://www.press-citizen.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/10/23/iowa-terry-eric-branstad-hunter-biden-comparison/3729856001/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=Iowa City Press-Citizen |language=en-US}}</ref> Allison moved to Beijing with her father when he was appointed ambassador because she landed a job at the [[International School of Beijing]] as a third grade teacher.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-22 |title=Branstad Daughter and Her Family will Accompany the Branstads to China |url=https://www.iowapublicradio.org/news/2017-03-21/branstad-daughter-and-her-family-will-accompany-the-branstads-to-china |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=Iowa Public Radio |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-06 |title=Branstad to stay in Beijing, but other family members leaving |url=https://www.radioiowa.com/2020/02/06/branstad-to-stay-in-beijing-but-other-family-members-leaving/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=Radio Iowa |language=en-US}}</ref> Marcus was appointed by his father to the Iowa Natural Resources Commission in 2013 and works as a lobbyist for the [[American Chemistry Council]].<ref name=":6" />

Branstad is a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He received the honor of "Knight Commander of the Court of Honor" in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/trump-s-china-ambassador-pick-member-of-freemasons-banned-in-china-1.3194396|title = Trump's China ambassador pick member of Freemasons, banned in China|date = December 7, 2016}}</ref>

In 2015, longtime newspaperman and Iowa historian Mike Chapman published a biography of Branstad, ''Iowa's Record-Setting Governor: The Terry Branstad Story''. The book details Branstad's youth on the family farm, his high school days in [[Forest City, Iowa|Forest City]], and his rise in politics.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iowa's Record Setting Governor: The Terry Branstad Story|url=http://businessrecord.com/Content/Default/BPC-Book-Publishing/Article/Iowa-s-Record-Setting-Governor-The-Terry-Branstad-Story/-3/1032/71285|access-date=October 13, 2017|publisher=Business Record|date=December 16, 2015}}</ref>

Branstad is a second cousin of [[Merrick Garland]], who served as [[United States Attorney General|United States attorney general]] under President [[Joe Biden]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=McKinney |first1=Kait |date=March 16, 2016 |title=Branstad Has Unique Connection to SCOTUS Nominee Merrick Garland |url=http://whotv.com/2016/03/16/branstad-has-unique-connection-to-scotus-nominee-merrick-garland/ |work=WHO-HD Channel 13}}</ref>{{efn|Branstad's maternal grandfather was Louis Edward Garland, whose brother Max Hyman (later "Harry") Garland is the grandfather of [[Merrick Garland]]. Max and Louis were born in Vagova, Lithuania, then part of the [[Pale of Settlement]] within the [[Russian Empire]]; they immigrated to the United States together, arriving in New York City on December 7, 1907 and listing their race as "Hebrew". The Garland brothers then settled in [[Council Bluffs, Iowa]].<ref name=Margolick>{{cite magazine |last= Margolick | first=David |url = http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/198684/whats-in-merrick-garlands-name | title= What's in Merrick Garland's Name? |magazine=[[Tablet (magazine)|Tablet]]|date=March 18, 2016 |access-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324190834/http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/198684/whats-in-merrick-garlands-name|archive-date=March 24, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=ForwardStory>{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Nathan-Kazis |url=http://forward.com/news/336091/merrick-garland-offers-poignant-story-about-anti-semitism-as-supreme-court/|title=Merrick Garland Offers Poignant Story About Anti-Semitism as Supreme Court Battle Looms|work=[[The Forward]]|date=March 16, 2016|access-date=March 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320090502/http://forward.com/news/336091/can-merrick-garland-fair-minded-mensch-of-a-judge-win-spot-on-the-supreme-c/|archive-date=March 20, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=image>{{cite news|last=Garland|first=Max|title=Declaration of Intent: citizenship application |url=http://www.tabletmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/MaxGarland-Papers.jpg|work=United States Department of Labor Immigration and Naturalization Service|location=Chicago, Illinois|date=April 14, 1936|access-date=March 9, 2017}}</ref>}}

==Electoral history==
* '''1972 election for Iowa House of Representatives District 8:'''
** Terry Branstad (R), 59.0%
** Elmer Selbrand (D), 41.0%
* '''1974 election for Iowa House of Representatives District 8:'''
** Terry Branstad (R), 68.7%
** Jean Haugland (D), 31.3%
* '''1976 election for Iowa House of Representatives District 8:'''
** Terry Branstad (R), 70.4%
** Franklin Banwart (D), 29.6%
* '''1978 Republican primary election for Lieutenant Governor of Iowa:'''
** Terry Branstad, 42.1%
** Hansen, 32.7%
** Oakley, 25.2%
* '''1978 election for Lieutenant Governor of Iowa:'''
** Terry Branstad (R), 57.7%
** William Palmer (D), 42.3%
{{Election box begin | title= Iowa gubernatorial election, [[1982 Iowa gubernatorial election|1982]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/results/80s/1982gencanv.pdf |title=Summary of Official Canvass of Votes Cast in Iowa General Election |publisher=[[Secretary of State of Iowa]] |year=1982 |access-date=November 17, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statemaster.com/graph/gov_us_gub_ele_1982_ele_res_opp_can-1982-election-results-opposing-candidates |title=Election Results > US Gubernatorial Elections, 1982 statistics – states compared – StateMaster |publisher=statemaster.com |access-date=June 7, 2010 |archive-date=January 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117004612/http://www.statemaster.com/graph/gov_us_gub_ele_1982_ele_res_opp_can-1982-election-results-opposing-candidates |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
| party = Republican Party (United States) 
| candidate = [[Terry Branstad]] (incumbent)
| votes = 548,313
| percentage = 52.81%
| change = -5.51%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = [[Roxanne Conlin]]
| votes = 483,291
| percentage = 46.55%
| change = +5.57%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
| party = Libertarian Party (United States)
| candidate = Marcia Farrington 	
| votes = 3,307
| percentage = 0.32%
| change = -0.15%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
| party = Socialist Party USA
| candidate = Jim Bittner
| votes = 2,767
| percentage = 0.27%
| change = +0.04%
}}
{{Election box candidate|
| party      = Write-ins
| candidate  = 
| votes      = 551
| percentage = 0.05%
| change     = 
}}
{{Election box majority|
| votes = 65,022
| percentage = 6.26%
| change =
}}
{{Election box turnout|
| votes = 1,038,229
| percentage = 
| change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
| winner = Republican Party (United States)
| loser = 
| swing = 
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Iowa gubernatorial election, [[1986 Iowa gubernatorial election|1986]] <ref>{{cite web|url=https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/results/80s/1986gencanv.pdf |title=General Election |publisher=[[Secretary of State of Iowa]] |year=1986 |access-date=October 7, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://contentdm.legis.state.ia.us/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fredbooks&CISOPTR=28578&REC=8&CISOBOX=Branstad |title=Iowa Legislature Heritage : Compound Object Viewer |publisher=contentdm.legis.state.ia.us |access-date=June 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725184349/http://contentdm.legis.state.ia.us/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fredbooks&CISOPTR=28578&REC=8&CISOBOX=Branstad |archive-date=July 25, 2011  }}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
| party = Republican Party (United States) 
| candidate = [[Terry Branstad]] (incumbent)
| votes = 472,712 
| percentage = 51.91%
| change = -0.90%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = [[Lowell Junkins]]
| votes = 436,987
| percentage = 47.99%
| change = -1.44%
}}
{{Election box candidate|
| party      = Write-ins
| candidate  = 
| votes      = 924
| percentage = 0.10%
| change     = 
}}
{{Election box majority|
| votes = 35,725
| percentage = 3.92%
| change =
}}
{{Election box turnout|
| votes = 910,623
| percentage = 
| change =
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
| winner = Republican Party (United States)
| loser = 
| swing = 
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Iowa gubernatorial election, [[1990 Iowa gubernatorial election|1990]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/results/90s/1990gencanv.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2018-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204021205/https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/results/90s/1990gencanv.pdf |archive-date=2018-12-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?year=1990&fips=19&f=0&off=5&elect=0 |title=1990 Gubernatorial General Election Results – Iowa |website=uselectionatlas.org |access-date=June 7, 2010 }}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
  |party      = Republican Party (United States)
  |candidate  = [[Terry Branstad]] ([[incumbent|inc.]])
  |votes      = 591,852
  |percentage = 60.61%
  |change     = +8.70%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Democratic Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Donald Avenson
  |votes      = 379,372
  |percentage = 38.85%
  |change     = -9.14%
}} 
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Socialist Workers Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Nan Bailey
  |votes      = 4,263
  |percentage = 0.44%
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box candidate|
  |party      = Write-ins
  |candidate  = 
  |votes      = 996
  |percentage = 0.10%
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box turnout|
  |votes      = 976,483
  |percentage = 
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
  |winner     = Republican Party (United States)
  |loser      = Democratic Party (United States)
  |swing      = 
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Iowa Gubernatorial Republican primary results, 1994 <ref>{{cite web |title=Primary Election, June 7, 1994 Official Canvass Summary |url=https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/results/90s/1994primcanv.pdf |website=Iowa Secretary of State}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://contentdm.legis.state.ia.us/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fredbooks&CISOPTR=32146&REC=12&CISOBOX=Grandy |title=Iowa Legislature Heritage : Compound Object Viewer |publisher=contentdm.legis.state.ia.us |access-date=June 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725184412/http://contentdm.legis.state.ia.us/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fredbooks&CISOPTR=32146&REC=12&CISOBOX=Grandy |archive-date=July 25, 2011  }}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = [[Terry Branstad]] (inc.)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 161,228
| percentage = 51.80
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = [[Fred Grandy]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 149,809
| percentage = 48.13
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
| votes = 240
| percentage = 0.08
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes =  311,277
| percentage= 100.00
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Iowa gubernatorial election general results, [[1994 Iowa gubernatorial election|1994]]<ref>{{cite web |title=1994 General Election, November 8 1994, Official Canvass Summary |url=https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/results/90s/1994gencanv.pdf |website=Iowa Secretary of State}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/state.php?year=1994&fips=19&f=0&off=5&elect=0 |title=1994 Gubernatorial General Election Results – Iowa |website=uselectionatlas.org |access-date=June 7, 2010 }}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
  |party      = Republican Party (United States)
  |candidate  = [[Terry Branstad]] ([[incumbent|inc.]])
  |votes      = 566,395
  |percentage = 56.80%
  |change     = -3.81%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Democratic Party (United States)
  |candidate  = [[Bonnie Campbell (lawyer)|Bonnie Campbell]]
  |votes      = 414,453
  |percentage = 41.56%
  |change     = +2.71%
}} 
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Independent politician
  |candidate  = Richard O'Dell Hughes
  |votes      = 5,505
  |percentage = 0.55%
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Natural Law Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Veronica Bells Butler
  |votes      = 3,737
  |percentage = 0.37%
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Libertarian Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Carl Eric Olsen
  |votes      = 2,772
  |percentage = 0.28%
  |change     =
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Socialist Workers Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Michael Galati
  |votes      = 770
  |percentage = 0.08%
  |change     = -0.36% 
}}
{{Election box candidate|
  |party      = Write-ins
  |candidate  = 
  |votes      = 3,616
  |percentage = 0.36%
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box majority|
  |votes      = 151,942
  |percentage = 15.24%
  |change     = -6.52%
}}
{{Election box turnout|
  |votes      = 997,248
  |percentage = 
  |change     = 
}}
{{Election box hold with party link|
  |winner     = Republican Party (United States)
  |loser      = Democratic Party (United States)
  |swing      = 
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change
| title = Iowa Gubernatorial Republican primary results, 2010<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sos.state.ia.us/elections/results/2010PrimaryResults.html |title=Iowa Governor Primary Results |work=Iowa Secretary of State |date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929105122/http://www.sos.state.ia.us/elections/results/2010PrimaryResults.html |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://data.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/iowa-elections/ |title=Iowa Primary Election Results 2010 |work=The Des Moines Register  |access-date=June 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100612084738/http://data.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/iowa-elections |archive-date=June 12, 2010 }}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Terry Branstad
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 114,450
| percentage = 50.30
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = [[Bob Vander Plaats]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 93,058
| percentage = 40.90
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Rod Roberts
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 19,896
| percentage = 8.74
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Write-ins
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 121
| percentage = 0.05
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 227,525
| percentage = 100
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin | title=Iowa gubernatorial election general results, [[2010 Iowa gubernatorial election|2010]]<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2010/govorr.pdf|title=2010 Iowa gubernatorial election results|website=SOS.Iowa.gov|access-date=November 24, 2019}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
  |party      = Republican Party (United States)
  |candidate  = [[Terry Branstad]]
  |votes      = 592,494
  |percentage = 52.81%
  |change     = +8.43%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Democratic Party (United States)
  |candidate  = [[Chet Culver]] (incumbent)
  |votes      = 484,798
  |percentage = 43.21%
  |change     = -10.81%
}}
{{Election box candidate|
  |party      = Iowa Party
  |candidate  = Jonathan Narcisse
  |votes      = 20,859
  |percentage = 1.86%
  |change     =''n/a''
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Libertarian Party (United States)
  |candidate  = Eric Cooper
  |votes      = 14,398
  |percentage = 1.28%
  |change     = +0.74%
}}
{{Election box candidate|
  |party      = Independent
  |candidate  = Gregory Hughes
  |votes      = 3,884
  |percentage = 0.35%
  |change     = ''n/a''
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
  |party      = Socialist Workers Party (United States)  
  |candidate  = David Rosenfeld
  |votes      = 2,757
  |percentage = 0.25%
  |change     = +0.06%
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link|
  |votes      = 2,823
  |percentage = 0.25%
  |change     = ''n/a''
}}
{{Election box total|
  |votes      = 1,122,013	
  |percentage = 100.00%
  |change     = ''n/a''
}}
{{Election box gain with party link no swing|
  |winner     = Republican Party (United States)
  |loser      = Democratic Party (United States)
}}
{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin no change
| title = Iowa Gubernatorial Republican primary results, 2014 <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2014/primary/canvsummary.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824080629/http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2014/primary/canvsummary.pdf |archive-date=2014-08-24 |url-status=live|title=Iowa Secretary of State, 2014 Primary Election Canvass Summary|access-date=February 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://electionresults.sos.iowa.gov/Views/TabularData.aspx?TabView=StateRaces^Federal%20/%20Statewide%20Races^83&ElectionID=83|title=Official Iowa Secretary of State Elections Results|date=June 3, 2014|access-date=June 5, 2014|work=[[Iowa Secretary of State]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140608014224/http://electionresults.sos.iowa.gov/Views/TabularData.aspx?TabView=StateRaces%5EFederal%20%2F%20Statewide%20Races%5E83&ElectionID=83|archive-date=June 8, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|title=2014 Iowa gubernatorial election primary results
| candidate = [[Terry Branstad]] (incumbent)
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 129,712
| percentage = 83.00
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = [[Tom Hoefling]]
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 26,284
| percentage = 16.82
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| candidate = Write-In
| party = Republican Party (United States)
| votes = 279
| percentage = 0.18
}}
{{Election box total no change
| votes = 156,275
| percentage = 100
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin
|title= Iowa gubernatorial election general results, [[2014 Iowa gubernatorial election|2014]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2014/general/govcanvsummary.pdf|publisher=Iowa Secretary of State|title=2014 General election. Canvass summary}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/elections/2014/11/04/iowa-governor-terry-branstad-reelected-historic-win/18490693/ |title=Terry Branstad re-elected to historic sixth term |publisher=desmoinesregister.com |access-date=November 6, 2014 }}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
   |candidate  = Terry Branstad (incumbent) / [[Kim Reynolds]] (incumbent)
   |party      = Republican Party (United States)
   |votes      = 666,032
   |percentage = 58.99%
|change = +6.18%
 }}
{{Election box candidate with party link
   |candidate  = [[Jack Hatch]] / [[Monica Vernon]]
   |party      = Democratic Party (United States)
   |votes      = 420,787
   |percentage = 37.27%
|change = -5.94%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
   |candidate  = Lee Deakins Hieb / Tim Watson
   |party      = Libertarian Party (United States)
   |votes      = 20,321
   |percentage = 1.80%
|change = +0.52%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
   |candidate  = Jim Hennager / Mary Margaret Krieg
   |party      = Independent (United States)
   |votes      = 10,582
   |percentage = 0.94%
|change = N/A
}}
{{Election box candidate
   |candidate  = Jonathan R. Narcisse / Michael L. Richards
   |party      = Iowa
   |votes      = 10,240
   |percentage = 0.91%
   |change = -0.95%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link
   |candidate  = Write-ins
   |party      = n/a
   |votes      = 1,095
   |percentage = 0.09%
|change = n/a
}}
{{Election box total
| votes = 1,129,057
| percentage = 100.00%
| change = n/a
}}
{{Election box hold with party link no swing
  |winner     = Republican Party (United States)
}}
{{Election box end}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons}} <!-- for current and future use if material is uploaded -->
* [https://china.usembassy-china.org.cn/our-relationship/our-ambassador/ Ambassador Terry Branstad] biography
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141031020530/http://branstadreynolds.com/ Terry Branstad for Governor]
* {{C-SPAN|3379}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Arthur A. Neu]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of lieutenant governors of Iowa|Lieutenant Governor of Iowa]]|years=1979–1983}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Robert T. Anderson|Robert Anderson]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Robert D. Ray]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Governors of Iowa|Governor of Iowa]]|years=1983–1999}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Tom Vilsack]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Gerald Baliles]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[National Governors Association]]|years=1989–1990}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Booth Gardner]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Chet Culver]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of Governors of Iowa|Governor of Iowa]]|years=2011–2017}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Kim Reynolds]]}}
|-
{{s-aca}}
{{s-bef|before=Richard M. Ryan Jr.}}
{{s-ttl|title=President of [[Des Moines University]]|years=2003–2009}}
{{s-aft|after=Steve Dengle}}
|-
{{s-dip}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Max Baucus]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States Ambassador to China]]|years=2017–2020}}
{{s-aft|after=[[R. Nicholas Burns]]}}
|-
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Arthur Neu]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Republican Party of Iowa|Republican Party]] nominee for [[Lieutenant Governor of Iowa]]||years=1978}}
{{s-aft|after=Lawrence E. Pope}}
{{s-bef|before=Robert Ray}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[List of Governors of Iowa|Governor of Iowa]]|years=[[1982 Iowa gubernatorial election|1982]], [[1986 Iowa gubernatorial election|1986]], [[1990 Iowa gubernatorial election|1990]], [[1994 Iowa gubernatorial election|1994]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Jim Ross Lightfoot|Jim Lightfoot]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[John Engler]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the [[Republican Governors Association]]|years=1996–1997}}
{{s-aft|after=[[David Beasley]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Jim Nussle]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[List of Governors of Iowa|Governor of Iowa]]|years=[[2010 Iowa gubernatorial election|2010]], [[2014 Iowa gubernatorial election|2014]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Kim Reynolds]]}}
|-
{{s-prec|usa}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Robert D. Fulton]]|as=Former Governor}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[United States order of precedence|Order of precedence of the United States]]|years=}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Chet Culver]]|as=Former Governor}}
{{s-end}}

{{US Ambassadors to China}}
{{Governors of Iowa}}
{{Lieutenant Governors of Iowa}}
{{National Governors Association chairs}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Branstad, Terry}}
[[Category:Terry Branstad| ]]
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American diplomats]]
[[Category:21st-century Iowa politicians]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of the United States to China]]
[[Category:American Freemasons]]
[[Category:American people of Jewish descent]]
[[Category:American people of Norwegian descent]]
[[Category:Heads of universities and colleges in the United States]]
[[Category:Converts to Roman Catholicism from Lutheranism]]
[[Category:Des Moines University people]]
[[Category:Donald Trump 2020 presidential campaign]]
[[Category:Republican Party governors of Iowa]]
[[Category:Iowa lawyers]]
[[Category:Iowa Republicans]]
[[Category:Lieutenant governors of Iowa]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Republican Party members of the Iowa House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Iowa]]
[[Category:People from Boone County, Iowa]]
[[Category:People from Winnebago County, Iowa]]
[[Category:United States Army soldiers]]
[[Category:University of Iowa alumni]]
[[Category:First Trump administration personnel]]
[[Category:Catholics from Iowa]]
[[Category:Drake University Law School alumni]]
[[Category:20th-century members of the Iowa General Assembly]]