DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Republican Gov. Terry Branstad’s upcoming departure to Beijing marks the end of a career in state politics that spans several decades. The 70-year is the longest serving governor in the U.S. at more than 22 years. The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Branstad Monday as the next ambassador to China.

As Branstad gets ready to leave Iowa, he’s highlighted the state’s low unemployment rate and renewable energy investments in wind farms and ethanol.

But critics point to legislation he approved this year that weakened public unions, restricted minimum hourly wage increases and added a voter identification requirement at the polls. Branstad in recent years also privatized Iowa’s Medicaid health care program for the poor and disabled without legislative approval.

Once Branstad resigns as governor, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will replace him.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Gov. Terry Branstad Monday as the new U.S. Ambassador to China. The Governor received 82 Yes votes from the Senate and 13 No votes, thereby sealing his confirmation bid. KCCI-TV reports Branstad is expected to resign as Governor and be sworn in as Ambassador to China on Wednesday. Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds would then be sworn in as Governor.

In a statement, Branstad said: “I want to thank President Trump and Vice President Pence for nominating me to be the United States Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.  I also want to thank Chairman Corker, Ranking Member Cardin, and the United States Senate for the confidence they have placed in me.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a boy from a small farm in Leland, Iowa, would one day have the opportunity to represent my country and my state on the world stage, working closely with one of the world’s most influential countries and one of America’s largest trading partners.  None of this would have been possible without the dedicated love and support of my wife Chris and my family.”

He added that “While I’m temporarily leaving the state I love and have governed for over 22 years, I know I’m leaving Iowa in great hands with Kim Reynolds as governor.  I look forward to working with both my friend President Donald Trump and my old friend President Xi Jinping for the mutual benefit of both of our countries and the rest of the world.”

Reaction flowed-in Monday evening…

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey issued the following statement following the confirmation of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad as U.S. Ambassador to China: “It is great news for Iowa and for the nation that Governor Branstad is now confirmed and will soon be in place as Ambassador to China.  Governor Branstad is uniquely qualified to serve in this critically important position and will vigorously support our nation’s interests.”

Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said “Terry Branstad is Iowa. And now, we are happy to share the best this state has to offer with the world. Branstad’s work ethic is boundless, his passion to make a difference is strong, and perhaps most importantly, his heart is one with Iowa. Our sincere gratitude and prayers go with him as he embarks on this next journey.”

Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, speaking on the Senate Floor, said “Having worked alongside the Governor for many years, I know he will exemplify the same leadership, thoughtfulness, and dedication in his role as Ambassador to China on behalf of the United States as he did for the people of Iowa.”  She said also “It has been an honor to serve the people of Iowa alongside Governor Branstad – the longest serving governor in United States history – and I am thrilled to continue to work with him in his new role serving the American people. “I thank Governor Branstad for his service to Iowa, and I wish him and his family the best as they prepare to depart for Beijing.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of a Henderson man on Monday on bench warrants from Montgomery and Mills Counties. At 11:56pm Officers arrested 32-year-old Nicholas John Horgdal on charges of Failure to Appear on Driving While Barred from both counties. Horgdal was taken to the Montgomery County District Court and entered a guilty plea on the Montgomery County charge and was sentenced to 14 days in jail. He is also being held for Mills County on $5,000 bond.