Hunter
09/03/25
US Senator Joni Ernst made it official Tuesday; she will not run for re-election for a third term in 2026.
In a video message released Tuesday, Ernst said that it’s time to give back to the family that’s showed her so much love and support. She added that the decision came after a “tremendous amount of prayer and reflection.”
The 55-year-old Ernst was the first Iowa woman elected to federal office and the first female combat veteran elected to the US Senate in 2014. She was reelected in 2020.
Governor Kim Reynolds said in a statement, “Joni is a dear friend who cares deeply about serving her fellow Iowans. Her years of dedicated public service in county, state, and federal government, as well as her distinguished military career, are a testament to her dedication to Iowa and our great country.”
Meanwhile, Iowa 2nd District US representative Ashley Hinson wasted no time announcing her run for the open seat. Within four hours of Ernst’s announcement, Hinson released her own statement, saying ““I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with President Trump to reverse the woke craziness and put working families first, In the Senate, I’ll be President Trump’s strongest ally and deliver the America First agenda.”
Hinson was first elected to northeast Iowa’s U.S. House seat in 2020, ousting then-Democratic incumbent Abby Finkenauer. She won re-election in 2022 and 2024 and is serving in her third term.
The race promises to be highly competitive, with Hinson facing former state Senator Jim Carlin in a potential primary. NBC News on Friday reported U.S. Ambassador to NATO and former Iowa Hawkeye football player Matt Whitaker also would consider running for the seat if Ernst declines to seek re-election.
The Democratic field currently has candidates Bob Krause, Jackie Norris, Zach Wahls, Josh Turek and Nathan Sage.