'This was no easy decision': GOP Iowa US Sen. Joni Ernst won't seek reelection in 2026

• "After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026," Joni Ernst, a Republican, said in a video message.
• Ernst's decision not to run for a third term in 2026 leaves Iowa with its first open Senate seat since she was first elected in 2014.
• Hours after Ernst's announcement, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson declared her candidacy, saying "I'm running to be President Trump's top ally in the United States Senate."

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst will not seek a third term in 2026, she announced in a video message, leaving Iowa with its first open Senate race since she won her seat in 2014.

"After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026," Ernst, a Republican, said in the video message Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Sources familiar with Ernst's decision told the Des Moines Register on Aug. 29 that she was not expected to run again, but her video message was the first formal confirmation of her decision.

Ernst, now serving her second term, is the first woman elected to Congress from Iowa and the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate.

The former state senator served in the Iowa Army National Guard for 23 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

"This was no easy decision," Ernst said in the video. "I love my state and country. It’s the very reason why I decided to wear our nation’s uniform and run for elected office in the first place. I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States senator ― only in America and by the grace of God."

Ernst cited her family as a reason for her decision, saying "now, as our family ages and grows, it's my time for me to give back to them." Ernst's daughter, Libby, serves in the U.S. Army.

She won her first term in 2014 by more than 8 percentage points and secured reelection in 2020 by 6 percentage points.

Ernst touted accomplishments in the U.S. Senate, including cutting waste, fraud and abuse, reining in regulations, restricting abortion, passing a new Violence Against Women Act, supporting families, farmers and small businesses and strengthening the U.S. military.

She added that "I'll keep fighting every single day, as I always have, to make Iowans' voices heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress."

“As a proud Harley rider, you can rest assured, I’m not slowing down anytime soon," she said. "There is still so much to accomplish before the end of my term."

Ashley Hinson announces Senate run, saying she'll be 'President Trump's top ally'

Minutes after Ernst announced she would not run for reelection, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson posted a statement on social media thanking Ernst for her service.

Hinson represents the 2nd Congressional District in northeast Iowa. She is serving her third term in office after defeating a Democratic incumbent to win her seat in Congress in 2020.

"Service defines Senator Joni Ernst — from serving her country in uniform to fiercely fighting for Iowans in the U.S. Senate," Hinson said. "Her story — from Red Oak to the Senate — is a powerful example of the American dream. Our country and state are better off because of Joni’s selfless service — I lead a heartfelt thank you from every Iowan."

Later in the day, Hinson announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate on WHO Radio, saying, "I'm running to be President Trump's top ally in the United States Senate."

"My priorities are Iowans' priorities ― I hear them every day," Hinson said in a statement. "Securing our borders and deporting illegal aliens. Keeping men out of girls' sports and returning common sense to classrooms. Defending our farmers and supporting Iowa agriculture. Promoting peace through strength with the strongest and most lethal military in the world. Strengthening Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security for our seniors. And helping young Iowans who are trying to buy a house and start a family."

Ernst already faced a Republican primary challenge from former state Sen. Jim Carlin, who unsuccessfully ran a primary campaign against U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in 2022, as well as Joshua Smith.

'Good riddance,' Democrats say of Joni Ernst's plans not to seek reelection

Five Democrats are seeking their party's nomination for U.S. Senate next year: state Sen. Zach Wahls, state Rep. Josh Turek, Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris, former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage and former state lawmaker Bob Krause.

“Good riddance," Lauren French, a spokesperson for the Senate Majority PAC, said in a statement. "Joni Ernst came to Washington with empty promises and is leaving having gutted IA Health Link and making it harder for families to afford basic goods. But only after laughing in the face of Iowans living with the very real consequences of her actions. 

French said the open race in Iowa "is just the latest example of Democrats expanding the senatorial map."

"The fact remains, regardless of who the GOP nominee is, they are going to have to answer to Iowans hurting because of the deep cuts to health care and nutrition assistance forced upon them by congressional Republicans," she said.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Ernst dropped out "because she knows her support for Medicaid cuts is a nonstarter," adding that the GOP nominee "will be saddled with the same toxic Republican agenda that's harming Iowa families."

"The energy is on our side heading into the midterms as Iowans are fed up with Washington Republicans spiking costs for working people to deliver tax cuts for billionaires," Hart said. "In 2026, Iowans will elect a Democrat to the U.S. Senate who will prioritize making Iowa economically prosperous and a healthier state."

Iowa Republicans praise Joni Ernst's accomplishments in office

Ernst is a longtime advocate of trimming government spending, famously pledging to "make 'em squeal" in a 2014 campaign ad where she bragged that "I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm, so when I get to Washington, I'll know how to cut pork." Last fall, she formed the Senate DOGE Caucus, which she chairs and which advocates for spending cuts.

Ernst, a domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor, helped lead negotations on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, which was signed into law in 2022.

And earlier this year, she was able to include an amendment in the Laken Riley Act known as "Sarah's Law" in memory of Council Bluffs woman Sarah Root, who was killed in 2016. The law requires the detention of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes that result in death or serious bodily injury.

Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann called Ernst "a dedicated public servant."

"From the start, Joni set out to make Washington squeal, and she delivered," Kaufmann said in a statement. "Her work to cut government waste, stop the abuse of taxpayer dollars, protect Iowa’s farms and small businesses and pass Sarah’s Law has left a lasting impact. Iowa is better off because of Senator Ernst’s leadership, and we are confident the next generation of Republican leaders will continue building on her incredible legacy."

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, Iowa's senior senator, said "it has been an honor" to serve with Ernst in the Senate.

"As the Senate’s first female combat veteran and Iowa’s first woman elected to Congress, she broke barriers at every turn and accomplished what she set out to do: 'MAKE ‘EM SQUEAL,'" Grassley said in a statement. "After a long career in the Iowa National Guard as well as elected office, Joni has served our country and state with pride and distinction. Barbara and I wish her well and know that whatever she chooses to do in her next chapter, they will be lucky to have this outstanding leader on the team. I will miss serving with Joni but know she will enjoy having more time to cherish her favorite role, as a mother and grandmother."

Gov. Kim Reynolds thanked Ernst "for your unwavering commitment to serving our state.

"It has been an incredible honor to work alongside you, and we are so grateful for everything you have accomplished for Iowans," Reynolds wrote on social media. "Kevin and I wish you and your family the best in this next chapter of your lives."

Attorney General Brenna Bird called Ernst "a tireless advocate not only for the state of Iowa, but for all Americans."

"She has fought to keep our country safe, to protect the lives of the unborn, and to ensure our hard-earned money is spent wisely," Bird said on social media. "I'm grateful for her work and her friendship. She has left an indelible mark on D.C., and I wish her the very best in her next venture."

Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig called Ernst "a strong voice for our farmers, rural communities and all who call this state home."

"From expanding markets for biofuels to championing rural small businesses and fighting burdensome federal regulations, she has never stopped working to make sure Iowa’s values and priorities are heard in Washington," he said in a statement. "While I’m sad to see her step away, I’m grateful for her service, her leadership and her friendship, and I wish her the very best in her next chapter."

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.