Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst Plans Senate Exit 2026

Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst has announced she will not seek reelection in the 2026 midterms, ending her Senate career after two terms. Ernst, a military veteran and two-term senator since 2015, had faced political pressure following her initial opposition to President Trump's nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, though she later supported him. Her decision opens a competitive race in Iowa, with potential candidates like Congresswoman Ashley Hinson considering a run, and Democrats aiming to capitalize on the vacancy. Ernst's departure shifts the political dynamics in Iowa and may impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. The news was met with mixed reactions, highlighting Ernst's sometimes controversial positions and the challenges Republicans face in maintaining control. The official announcement was anticipated to further define the upcoming campaign landscape in Iowa.