Reynolds Defends HHS Director After Senate Confirmation Rejection

Gov. Reynolds issues statement about Iowa HHS director confirmation vote

• Tuesday, April 21, 2026

• Press Release

Governor Kim Reynolds today issued the following statement in response to actions by Iowa Senate Democrats to vote against the confirmation of Iowa Health and Human Services Director Larry Johnson: “Larry Johnson defines public service. I appointed him Director of Health and Human Services—Iowa’s largest and most complex agency—because he is a proven leader with a record of results. In this role, he has balanced discipline with compassion while working to strengthen systems that protect human dignity. “I am disgusted that Senate Democrats voted against his confirmation today for purely political reasons. In doing so, they have removed the leader of the state’s largest agency who manages a $14 billion state and federal budget; leads Medicaid, SNAP, child protection services, and state-run institutions; and oversees 4,700 employees who provide direct services, manage safety-net programs, and support the health and well-being of millions of Iowans. “Director Johnson has been instrumental in securing a $209 million federal Rural Health Transformation grant and implementing Iowa’s Healthy Hometowns plan to transform rural health care. He is leading critical strategies to strengthen Iowa’s child welfare system, increase foster homes, and support families in need. “Larry recently met with Senator Tony Bisignano for nearly two hours and addressed all of his questions about the state’s foster care system. Larry also met with many other legislators on both sides of the aisle throughout the confirmation process. He assured them of his and the agency’s strong commitment to Iowa’s most vulnerable citizens. He invited their feedback, answered their questions, and offered to keep the door open to any future conversations. “Today, Senate Democrats chose to break with decades of custom. Rather than informing my office of concerns about the nomination, they made a politically motivated choice to disrupt an agency responsible for the well-being of the most vulnerable Iowans. It’s disappointing and their decision puts Iowa HHS and the people they serve at great risk.”