Read Adam Gregg's full resignation letter as Iowa's lieutenant governor

Former Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg thanked Gov. Kim Reynolds and described his time in office as "a great honor" in the resignation letter he submitted Tuesday.

Gregg, a Republican, left office this week to take a job leading the Iowa Bankers Association.

His resignation letter, dated Sept. 3, praised Reynolds, who he has served alongside as lieutenant governor since 2017.

More: Iowa Lt. Gov Adam Gregg resigns immediately, takes job leading Iowa Bankers Association

"It has been a great honor to serve as your lieutenant governor," he wrote. "I have been proud to be by your side as your leadership has moved our state in the right direction, and as we have navigated challenging and unprecedented events — including a global pandemic, a derecho and multiple tornadoes and floods (to name just a few)."

Gregg referenced his work leading the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, as well as efforts on food insecurity and criminal justice.

He said he is stepping down to spend more time with his family. Gregg and his wife, Cari, have two children, Jackson and Lauren.

"As Scripture reminds us, for everything there is a season, and there's a time to every purpose under heaven," he wrote. "I feel my time in public service must come to a close. This season of my life needs to be focused on my family. My kids are growing up too fast, and statewide elected office forces me to miss more of their lives than I can accept."

"When you announced me as your choice for lieutenant governor, I said my most important job would always be 'dad' to Jackson and Lauren," he wrote. "While difficult, this decision allows me to honor that most important commitment."

More: When will Kim Reynolds appoint a lieutenant governor? Why she's taking her time

Reynolds said Wednesday that she plans to take her time in appointing a new lieutenant governor to serve the remainder of Gregg's term, which runs until January 2027.

"I want to make sure I take the time and get the right person there," she said.

Read Adam Gregg's full resignation letter

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Read Adam Gregg's resignation letter as Iowa's lieutenant governor