UPDATE: Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa will not seek re-election in the upcoming 2026 midterms, as confirmed by three sources to Fox News. Ernst, who first took office in 2014, is expected to publicly announce her decision next week, signaling a significant shift in Iowa’s political landscape.
This unexpected announcement opens the door for a competitive race in a state that has leaned Republican in recent elections, following a trend that saw Donald Trump win Iowa by 8 points in 2020 and 13 points last November. With Ernst’s retirement, the Republican Party faces a crucial opportunity to solidify its hold on the Senate.
Former Iowa State Sen. Jim Carlin, who is already in the race for the Senate seat, expressed his views on the evolving political environment. Meanwhile, GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson, currently serving her third term in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, is also eyeing a run for the position, as multiple sources confirm her intentions.
The political stakes are high. Iowa was once a battleground state that played a pivotal role in former President Barack Obama‘s victories in 2008 and 2012, but recent history has tilted in favor of the Republicans who currently control both Senate seats and all four congressional districts. However, Democrats are mobilizing, having successfully flipped two GOP-held state Senate seats in special elections this year.
Four Democratic candidates are already vying for the Senate seat, including state Rep. Josh Turek, a Paralympian wheelchair basketball player, state Sen. Zach Wahls, Nathan Sage, executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, and Jackie Norris, chair of the Des Moines School Board. Their emergence adds an exciting dynamic to the developing race.
Ernst, a retired Army Reserve officer and veteran of the Iraq War, gained national prominence with her memorable “make ’em squeal” campaign ads in her first Senate run. Throughout her tenure, she has balanced her support for the Trump administration while advocating for traditional Republican values. However, her recent remarks during a town hall meeting, where she said, “we are all going to die,” in response to concerns about Medicaid cuts, sparked backlash and controversy.
As Republicans aim to maintain and expand their 53-47 Senate majority in the upcoming elections, the focus shifts to key battlegrounds across the country. The upcoming midterms are critical for both parties, with Republicans looking to capitalize on favorable maps and potential vulnerabilities among Democratic incumbents.
The news of Ernst’s retirement reverberates beyond Iowa, impacting the national political landscape as both parties prepare for a fiercely contested election cycle. With the Iowa Senate seat now open, expect heightened activity and announcements in the coming days as candidates position themselves for the pivotal race ahead.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
