Terry Branstad, American soldier, lawyer, and politician, 39th Governor of Iowa

Terry Edward Branstad is a retired American politician and U.S. Army veteran who served as the 39th and 42nd governor of Iowa and the United States ambassador to China (2017–2020). A member of the Republican Party, Branstad is the longest-serving governor in United States history, with a total gubernatorial tenure of 22 years, 4 months, and 13 days.

The governor of Iowa is the head of government of the U.S. state of Iowa. The governor is the head of the executive branch of the state government and is charged with enforcing state laws. The officeholder has the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Iowa General Assembly, to convene the legislature, as well as to grant pardons, except in cases of treason and impeachment. The governor of Iowa is also the commander-in-chief of the state's military forces. The governor has the ability to sign executive orders, these have range from topics including the establishment of councils, committees and task forces, and appropriation reductions to prevent a state budget deficit.