Joni Ernst could emerge as a Republican star after her State of the Union response

The GOP leaders made the announcement during their retreat in Hershey, Pa.

“Sen. Ernst brings a unique perspective to the Senate. She is a mother, a soldier and an independent leader who serves in Washington because Americans voted for change in the last election, and Joni understands that middle-class Americans want Congress to get back to work and that they want Washington to get refocused on their concerns, instead of those of the political class,” McConnell said of the decision to select Ernst.

Boehner said that Ernst represents “a quintessential ‘only-in-America’ story,” because of the focus her campaign put on “listening to the people of Iowa and focusing on their priorities, especially jobs and our still-struggling economy.” Boehner added that as a member of the U.S. military, Ernst “knows first-hand the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make to keep us all safe in a dangerous world.”

Ernst said she was “truly honored” to be selected to deliver the Republican address and added that she will work to grow the economy and protect the military.

This could mean big things for Ernst in the future. Many of the past GOP responders have been speculated as presidential nominees, including Sen. Marco Rubio (2013 responder), former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (2012), Rep. Paul Ryan (2011) and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (2009).

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., who gave the response in 2014, is in the no. 4 leadership position in the House of Representatives as chair of the House Republican Conference.

Of course, we can’t forget former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who gave the response in 2010. He was sentenced to two years in prison for corruption.

But so long as Ernst avoids doing something illegal, she should become a leader in the Republican Party, either in Congress or perhaps even the White House.