Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, is in the “process of divorcing” her husband of more than 25 years, her office announced Monday.
“Senator Ernst and her husband, Gail, are in the process of divorcing,” Ernst’s office said in a statement. “They remain committed to their children and family, and ask for respect for their privacy during this difficult time.”
Joni Ernst was the first female combat veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate when she was elected in 2014, after serving in the Iowa state Senate.
Her husband Gail came under scrutiny during the 2014 campaign after old comments he made on Facebook surfaced in which he referred to Hillary Clinton as a “hag” and joked about shooting an ex, among other things.
“I’m appalled by my husband’s remarks,” Joni Ernst said at the time. “They are uncalled for and clearly inappropriate. I’ve addressed this issue with my husband and that’s between us.”
The posts have since been deleted and Gail Ernst issued an apology.
