Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) formally announced in a video on Tuesday that she would not seek reelection in next year’s midterm elections.
“I will not be seeking reelection in 2026,” Ernst said. “This was no easy decision. I love my state and country.” c
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A GOP operative confirmed to The Hill last week that Ernst was expected to forgo seeking a third term. The operative noted that Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), a former reporter-turned-lawmaker who’s served in Congress since 2021, is likely best positioned to replace her.
The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report had rated her seat as “likely Republican” before news of her expected retirement broke.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Senate Campaign Committee Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said in a joint statement following Ernst’s announcement that the GOP majority in the Senate was in jeopardy.
“Donald Trump and Senate Republicans’ devastating agenda has put their majority in jeopardy,” the Democrats said.”Republicans can see the writing on the wall: spiking costs and ripping away health care does so much damage to their states that they would rather leave the Senate than defend their actions to voters. Democrats are in a strong position to win seats and continue fighting for working families.”
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Ernst was first elected in 2014, replacing former Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa.).
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.) praised Ernst in a statement following her retirement announcement.
“Joni Ernst has dedicated her life to serving our nation and improving the lives of Iowans. Traveling across the Hawkeye State with Joni, I know she loves Iowa, and Iowa loves her,” Scott said.
Updated: 1:37 p.m.
