Reynolds has $1.1 million for 2018 campaign

Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds has $1.1 million in cash available thus far for a 2018 gubernatorial campaign after raising nearly $638,000 last year.

Her campaign committee announced details of her 2016 fundraising totals Wednesday in an email.

If, as expected, Gov. Terry Branstad is confirmed as U.S. ambassador to China, Reynolds will succeed him, and she is widely expected to run in 2018.

She isn't guaranteed to be the Republican Party's nominee, however. Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, a former Republican House speaker, has broached the possibility of a bid for the job.

Reynolds, who has been at Branstad's side since he returned to office in 2011, said in the email she was humbled by the support and added: 'We stand poised to build on our accomplishments.”

The fundraising for 2016 is an improvement over the previous year, when her committee raised $529,000, according to the email.

Reports for campaign committees aren't due until Jan. 19, when fuller details will be available.