(Des Moines, IA) Governor Kim Reynolds announced that she was selecting Adam Gregg as Lieutenant Governor. Gregg, 34, ran against unsuccessfully against Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller in 2014 was later appointed as the State Public Defender by Governor Terry Branstad. He will serve as Lieutenant Governor in an acting capacity, fulfilling all of the duties of the Lieutenant Governor until the January 2019 inauguration.
The Reynolds Administration explained that in an acting capacity Gregg will fulfill all of the duties of the Lieutenant Governor, but will not be in the gubernatorial line of succession. According to the Iowa Constitution that would fall to State Senator Jack Whitver (R-Ankeny) who is the current Senate President.
Reynolds made this decision to name Gregg to serve in an acting capacity because of Attorney General Miller’s opinion that Reynolds, having been Lieutenant Governor, could not appoint a replacement. Miller said he believed Reynolds, upon Governor Branstad’s resignation, became Governor and Lt. Governor. The Reynolds administration and Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate disagree with Miller’s opinion, but to avoid a potential lawsuit that would distract her nomination she decided Gregg would serve with the full title and duties, but won’t be in the line of succession.
“I have worked closely with Adam since he became our office’s legislative liaison and policy advisor in 2013, and have been consistently impressed with his energy, work ethic and demeanor as he worked through a number of legislative priorities for us,” Reynolds said. “Adam is someone who understands the responsibilities of the executive branch, someone who has worked closely with the Legislature and someone who has a strong relationship with our court system. There is nobody better equipped with the skills, knowledge, experience and relationships than Adam to serve Iowans in this important role.”
As the State Public Defender, Gregg oversaw an agency with about 220 employees and a budget of approximately $60 million. During his time there he created a new wrongful conviction unit that ensures the state was not jailing innocent Iowans. Gregg initiated an effort to modernize the office, ensuring that legitimate attorney claims are paid quickly, and fraudulent claims are detected. He also worked with the judicial branch to support drug, mental health, and veterans courts, which are innovative specialty courts that focus on treatment and recovery rather than punishment and imprisonment.
Gregg also served as the Governor’s Office’s top legislative advisor from December 2012- June 2014. In this role, he helped in the crafting and adoption of the governor’s bipartisan budget and policy agenda over the course of the 85th General Assembly.
“I am honored and humbled by the trust that Governor Reynolds has put in me,” Gregg said. “Over the last six years, she has revolutionized and rejuvenated the role of lieutenant governor. To follow her in that role, and to serve alongside her as she now leads this state, is the honor of a lifetime. Every day, I will serve Iowans as we connect them to better jobs, better skills training, better schools and continue balancing our state’s budget every step of the way.”
Gregg graduated in 2009 with high honors from Drake University Law School, where he received the institution’s prestigious Opperman Scholarship. During law school, Gregg conducted legal research in his capacity as an Iowa Supreme Court Scholar with Chief Justice Mark Cady and was a staff member for the Drake Law Review.
Gregg earned his B.A. from Central College in 2006, graduating first in his class with degrees in political science and history. His experience at Central College included internships with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, U.S. Congress and United Kingdom Parliament.
Gregg is a graduate of West Sioux High School and a native of Hawarden, Iowa. He resides in Johnston with his wife, Cari, and their two children, a six-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter. He and his family are active members and volunteers in Johnston River of Life Methodist Church and Meals from the Heartland events.