Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has decided not to run for a third term in the Senate, ending more than a decade in Washington and setting off a scramble for her seat in 2026.
In a video announcement, Ernst called serving Iowans “the privilege of a lifetime,” citing her upbringing on a farm in southwestern Iowa, her two decades in the Army Reserve and Iowa National Guard, and her years in public office.
“From growing up and working on my family’s farm in rural southwest Iowa to more than two decades of leadership in the U.S. 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,” Ernst said.
She explained that the decision came after prayer and reflection.
“This was no easy decision,” Ernst said. “I love my state and country. But as our family ages and grows, it’s time for me to give back to them.”
Elected in 2014 as the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate, Ernst rose to prominence with her “make Washington squeal” campaign ad that promised to cut wasteful spending. She highlighted that message again in her farewell.
“Only in America, and by the grace of God, 11 years ago, Iowans elected me as the first female combat veteran to the U.S. Senate, and they did so with a mission in mind: to make Washington squeal,” Ernst said. “And I’m proud to say we have delivered.”
Ernst made history as the first woman elected to federal office from Iowa and the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate. She quickly rose in party ranks, chairing the Senate Republican Policy Committee and later leading the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. Most recently, she has served as chairwoman of the Senate Small Business Committee.
She became a prominent GOP voice on defense, veterans’ affairs, and small business policy, while also carving out a national profile as a frequent party messenger. She was even floated at times as a possible vice presidential pick, though she remained focused on Iowa.
One of Ernst’s most defining moments in her final year came during a heated May town hall at a high school in Parkersburg, Iowa. Confronted by constituents about cuts to Medicaid in a sweeping tax and immigration bill, Ernst defended the $700 billion in proposed reductions. She argued that tightening eligibility would prevent people in the U.S. illegally and workers with access to employer-based coverage from relying on the program. When pressed further, Ernst responded bluntly: “We all are going to die.”
Democratic leaders quickly seized on the moment, decrying it as dismissive of Iowans dependent on Medicaid, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Democratic groups, including one tied to Senate Majority PAC, launched an online ad campaign featuring the clip to highlight the consequences of budget cuts, a multiweek effort reaching streaming services, YouTube, and social media.
Ernst also played a pivotal role during the nomination process for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Initially, she publicly withheld her support, raising concerns over his past comments about women in combat roles and allegations of misconduct. The Iowa senator, a combat veteran who has been vocal about being sexually assaulted, was under pressure from some of Trump’s MAGA loyalists who threatened to mount a primary challenge against her if she tanked Hegseth’s nomination. She voted to confirm Hegseth.
Ernst’s decision reshapes Iowa politics. Republicans will need to defend her seat in a year in which Democrats are targeting multiple GOP retirements as they seek to break up the GOP trifecta in Washington.
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) signaled interest in running for Senate on Tuesday, shortly after Ernst announced her retirement. In a social media post, Hinson wrote that she has “stood shoulder to shoulder with the President to pass this America First agenda in the House” and pledged she would be Trump’s “strongest ally in the Senate.” She added that she and her husband “will have an announcement soon about how we believe we can best serve Iowa, and how we can help President Trump make America great again.”
A GOP operative told the Washington Examiner last week that Hinson, a close Trump ally, is considered the leading contender to succeed Ernst.
JONI ERNST CHALLENGER JD SCHOLTEN DROPS OUT AND ENDORSES DEMOCRATIC RIVAL
The Democratic primary lineup also features state Sen. Zach Wahls; Jackie Norris, chairwoman of the Des Moines School Board and former chief of staff to Michelle Obama; state Rep. Josh Turek, a former Paralympian with two gold medals in wheelchair basketball; and Nathan Sage, an Iraq War veteran and head of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce.
The Cook Political Report shifted the Iowa Senate race from “solid Republican” to “likely Republican” in the aftermath of Ernst’s retirement. Despite retiring, the senator stressed that she is not slowing down.
“As a proud Harley rider, you can rest assured I’m not slowing down anytime soon. … 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 America,” she said.
