Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has decided not to run for a third term in the U.S. 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.
“This was no easy decision,” she 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.
JONI ERNST CHALLENGER JD SCHOLTEN DROPS OUT AND ENDORSES DEMOCRATIC RIVAL
“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. And I’m proud to say we have delivered.”
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.