Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst Won’t Run for Reelection in 2026
Iowa elected Ernst in 2014.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) won’t seek reelection in 2026.
Ernst released a video:
My fellow Iowans, serving as your United States senator is the privilege of a lifetime, from growing up and working on my family’s farm in rural southwest Iowa to more than two decades of leadership in the US Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard, where I deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, to my work as Montgomery County auditor, state senator, and now as your United States Senator, it has been an honor to dedicate my life to the service of our great state and country, having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support.
Now, as our family ages and grows, it’s my time for me to give back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026.
This was no easy decision. I love my state and country. It’s the very reason why I decided to wear our nation’s uniform and run for elected office in the first place. I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States Senator, only in America. And by the grace of God, 11 years ago, Iowans elected me as the first female combat veteran to the US Senate, and they did so with a mission in mind, to make Washington squeal.
And I’m proud to say we have delivered. We’ve cut waste, fraud and abuse across the federal government, and reined in overburdensome rules and regulations. We’ve protected the lives of the unborn, prevented violence against women, supported our hard working farmers, families and small businesses, honored and fought for our fellow veterans, and strengthened our military and the brave men and women who choose to serve as a proud Harley rider.
You can rest assured, I’m not slowing down anytime soon. There is still so much to accomplish before the end of my term, and I’ll keep fighting every single day, as I always have, to make Iowans voices heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress.
While this chapter of elected service will soon close I will always find ways to best serve my community, state, and these great United States of.
BREAKING
As expected, Senator Joni Ernst will not be seeking re-election in 2026. pic.twitter.com/8XNS3z4g2p
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) September 2, 2025
No doubt, the Democrats will aim for Iowa, as the party seeks to take down the Republican majority.
However, a Democrat hasn’t represented Iowa in the Senate since 2008. President Donald Trump won the state by 13 points in 2024.
I’m seeing reports that third-term Rep. Ashley Hinson will run for Ernst’s seat. But that would also open a seat for the Democrats to snatch in the House.
The Republicans have a slim majority in both chambers.
Ernst would have faced former state Sen. Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith in a primary.
Donations tax deductible
to the full extent allowed by law.
Comments
Every time you print an article about her, I have “Free Man in Paris” running through my head the entire day. Thanks again.
Good. She’s a phony.
“Ernst would have faced former state Sen. Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith in a primary.”
CORRECTION: Ernst’s poor record brought Jim Carlin and Joshua Smith into the primary.
Omg how will w e survive? They’ll just replace with another moderate big gov cookie cutter corrupticrat sen.
not a problem
AOC will need a VP in a few years
…. unless AOC decides to go for the “sure thing” – Schumer’s seat.
please GOD …. please…
not being familiar with her
what specifically has she accomplished in her time in
the senate.