Joni Ernst announces retirement, leaving Iowa Senate seat open for 2026
Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) has announced that she will not seek a third term in the U.S. Senate, ending more than a decade of service in Washington and opening up her Iowa Senate seat for the 2026 election. In a video proclamation, Ernst reflected on her career, highlighting her Iowa farm upbringing, two decades in the Army Reserve and Iowa National Guard, and her time in public office. Elected in 2014 as the frist female combat veteran in the Senate, she gained attention with her “make Washington squeal” campaign focused on cutting wasteful government spending-a theme she reiterated in her farewell message. Ernst described the decision as difficult but necessary to focus on her family. Her retirement substantially impacts Iowa politics, prompting a competitive race to fill her seat, with Democrats aiming to capitalize on this GOP vacancy as they seek to break Republican control in Washington.
Joni Ernst announces retirement, leaving Iowa Senate seat open for 2026
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.
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“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.
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