Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) just dropped a political bombshell by announcing she won’t seek a third term in 2026, setting the stage for a bare-knuckle brawl over her Senate seat.
The Washington Examiner reported that after more than a decade in Washington, Ernst’s decision to step away—revealed in a heartfelt video message—marks the end of a trailblazing career and ignites a high-stakes contest for both Republicans and Democrats in the Hawkeye State.
Born and raised on a family farm in rural southwest Iowa, Ernst’s journey to the Senate began with grit—over two decades in the U.S. Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard, including a deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Her early roles as Montgomery County auditor and state senator paved the way for a historic 2014 victory. She became the first woman elected to federal office from Iowa and the first female combat veteran in the U.S. Senate.
Ernst burst onto the national scene with her unforgettable 2014 campaign ad promising to “make Washington squeal” by slashing wasteful spending.
That no-nonsense message resonated with Iowans tired of bloated bureaucracies. It’s a shame to see that kind of fiscal hawk energy leave the Senate when we need it most.
Climbing the GOP ranks, Ernst chaired the Senate Republican Policy Committee, led a key Armed Services subcommittee on Emerging Threats, and most recently headed the Senate Small Business Committee.
Her focus on defense, veterans’ affairs, and small business policy cemented her as a reliable voice for conservative priorities. Even with a national profile—often floated as a potential VP pick—Ernst stayed grounded in Iowa’s needs.
“Only in America, and by the grace of God, Iowans elected me,” she said in her announcement, reflecting on her historic role. Yet, with progressive policies creeping into every corner of governance, her exit feels like a loss for those fighting the good fight.
Not everything was smooth sailing for Ernst, as seen in a contentious town hall in Parkersburg, Iowa, earlier this year. Facing heat over proposed $700 billion Medicaid cuts in a broader tax and immigration package, she stood firm, arguing the reductions would target misuse by unauthorized migrants and those with employer coverage.
Democratic critics pounced, accusing her of ignoring Iowans—seniors, the disabled, and low-income families—who rely on Medicaid.
“We all are going to die,” Ernst quipped during the exchange, a blunt remark that fueled a multi-week online ad blitz by Democratic groups. While her words may have been clumsy, the core issue of program abuse deserves a hard look, not just emotional soundbites.
Ernst also navigated tricky waters with the nomination of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, initially hesitating due to his past comments on women in combat and misconduct allegations.
As a combat veteran who’s spoken about her own sexual assault experience, her caution was understandable, even if MAGA hardliners grumbled about a potential primary challenge. She ultimately backed Hegseth, showing loyalty to the broader America First agenda.
In her video message, Ernst opened up about the personal toll of public service. “This was no easy decision. I love my state and country,” she said, adding that her growing and aging family needs her now. It’s a reminder that even the toughest warriors in politics are human, a perspective often lost in today’s culture wars.
“As a proud Harley rider, I’m not slowing down,” Ernst assured supporters, promising to keep serving Iowa in new ways. Her exit isn’t a retreat but a pivot, though one wonders if Washington’s progressive tide will drown out voices like hers in the years ahead.
Ernst’s retirement shakes up Iowa politics, with her seat now a prime target in 2026. The Cook Political Report already downgraded the race from “solid” to “likely Republican,” a sign of the battle ahead. Republicans must defend their ground against a Democratic Party hungry to disrupt the GOP’s hold on power.
On the Republican side, Rep. Ashley Hinson quickly signaled interest in Ernst’s seat, with a GOP operative calling her the frontrunner due to her close ties to President Trump.
“I would be Trump’s strongest ally in the Senate,” Hinson declared, aligning herself with the America First vision. That’s the kind of backbone conservatives crave, especially when facing off against a relentless progressive agenda.
Democrats, meanwhile, are lining up with a diverse slate, including state Sen. Zach Wahls, Jackie Norris (a former Michelle Obama aide), State Rep. Josh Turek (a Paralympian), and Nathan Sage (an Iraq War veteran).
JD Scholten even stepped aside to endorse a rival, showing rare party unity. Still, their focus on expanding government programs often ignores the fiscal reality Ernst fought to highlight.