Terry Branstad Biography
Terry Branstad is an American Politician, University Administrator, and Former Diplomat, who was born and brought up in Leland, Iowa, United States of America. He has served as the United States Ambassador to China since 2017. In September 2020, it was announced that he would be stepping down in that role. He is a Republican who previously served as governor of Lowa.
Branstad as well served three terms in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1973 to 1979. He served as the 39th governor of Iowa from 1983 to 1999. He, after retiring from politics served as President of Des Moines University from 2003 to 2009. He in 2010, ran for governor again and defeated incumbent Chet Culver to become the state’s 42nd governor.
Terry was re-elected to a sixth term in 2014. In December 2015 he surpassed New York’s George Clinton as the longest-tenured governor in American history. In December 2016 he accepted President Donald Trump‘s nomination as United States Ambassador to China. He was confirmed and sworn in in May 2017.
Upon resigning as governor, Branstad was succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, who became Iowa’s first female governor and went on to win election to the office in 2018. He is the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, with 8,169 days in office.
Terry Branstad Age
Branstad is 75 years old as of 2021, he was born on 17 November 1946, in Leland, Iowa, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 17 November every year and his birth sign is Scorpio.
Terry Branstad Height
Terry stands at an average height. He appears to be quite tall in stature if his photos, relative to his surroundings, are anything to go by. However, details regarding his actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Terry Branstad Education
Branstad attended the University of Iowa where he received a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1969. He then enrolled at Drake University Law School where he received his Juris Doctor in 1974. He was drafted after college and served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 as a military policeman in the 503rd Military Police Battalion at Fort Bragg.
Terry Branstad Family
Terry was born to his parents Edward Arnold Branstad and Rita (née Garland) in Leland. His father Edward was a farmer. His other was Jewish, and his father a Norwegian American Lutheran. Our efforts to find out more about his family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, it is not known if he has any siblings. We will update this section once this information is available.
Terry Branstad Wife
Branstad is currently married to his wife Christine Johnson. The couple tied the knot on 17 June 1972, in an adorable wedding ceremony held in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. They are blessed with three children named Eric, Marcus and Allison Branstad.
Terry Branstad Wife Christine Branstad
Terry’s wife Christine has worked as a medical assistant and as a volunteer at schools and hospitals. She became First Lady of Iowa in January 1983 following the election of her husband to his first term as Governor. She served as First Lady from 1983 until 1999 while simultaneously raising her children at the governor’s residence. (Their youngest son, Marcus, was born while the Branstads were in office).
Terry Branstad Son
Terry and his wife Christine Johnson have three children named Eric Branstad, Allison Branstad, and Marcus Branstad.
Terry Branstad Net Worth
Branstad has an estimated net worth of $3 million dollars as of 2020. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Politician, University Administrator, and Former Diplomat. Through his various sources of income, Terry has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Terry Branstad Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Terry Branstad.
Terry Branstad Wiki
- Full Names: Terry Edward Branstad
- Popular As: Terry Branstad
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Politician, University Administrator, and Former Diplomat
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: Multiracial (Jewish and Norwegian American Lutheran)
- Religion: Christianity
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Terry Branstad Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 75 years
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Date of Birth: 17 November 1946
- Place of Birth: Leland, Iowa, United States
- Birthday: 17 November
Terry Branstad Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: Average
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: White
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Terry Branstad Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Edward Arnold Branstad
- Mother: Rita (née Garland)
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Wife/Spouse: Married to Christine Johnson
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Eric, Marcus, and Allison Branstad
Terry Branstad Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $3 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Politician, University Administrator, and Former Diplomat
Terry Branstad US Ambassador to China
Terry was chosen by President-elect Donald Trump in December 2016, to serve as US Ambassador to China, succeeding Max Baucus. He accepted the offer within one day after meeting with Trump in New York. Trump cited his decades of experience with China while governor of Iowa. Xi Jinping, China’s paramount leader, considers him an “old friend”.
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. His hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee was held on May 2, 2017. He was confirmed by the Senate on May 22, 2017, in an 82 to 13 vote.
Terry 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 U.S. Senator from Montana in 2014.
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. This move was also strongly supported by both Tibetan independence and autonomy advocates, as part of the global Free Tibet movement.
Terry Branstad Steps Down
It was announced in September 2020 that Terry would be stepping down as United States Ambassador to China after more than three years in Beijing. A source said that he was to move from Beijing following the November US Presidential election. This came amid increasing tensions between the US and China on several fronts.
The Chinese government announced on September 12, 2020, it would be imposing unspecified restrictions on senior US diplomats and personnel inside China after Washington put in place a similar measure targeting Beijing’s diplomatic corps on September 3.
In a Twitter post early September 14, 2020, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thanked Branstad for his service to the American people as the US Ambassador.
Terry Branstad Awards and Achievements
Terry is undoubtedly a fine politician, university administrator, and diplomat. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service; he once recalled that he arrested actress Jane Fonda for coming onto post at Arlington National Cemetery, where she was planning to attend an antiwar protest.
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. 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 his youth on the family farm, his high school days in Forest City, and his rise in politics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Terry Branstad
Who is Terry Branstad?
Terry Branstad is a renowned Politician, University Administrator, and Former Diplomat, who has served as the United States Ambassador to China since 2017.
How old is Terry Branstad?
Branstad is an American national born on 17th November 1946, in Leland IA.
How tall is Terry Branstad?
Terry stands at an average height, he has not shared his height with the public. His height will be listed once we have it from a credible source.
What nationality is Terry Branstad?
Branstad is an American national.
Where did Terry Branstad attend college?
Terry 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.
Is Terry Branstad married?
Yes, Branstad is married to Christine Johnson. They got married on June 17, 1972 and together they have three children.
How much is Terry Branstad worth?
Terry has an approximate net worth of $3 million. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Where does Terry Branstad live?
Because of security reasons, Branstad has not shared his precise location of residence. We will update this information if we get the location and images of his house.
Is Terry Branstad dead or alive?
Terry is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
Terry Branstad Contacts
- Youtube
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- Website