Joni Ernst Retirement: Senator Announces No Reelection Bid for 2026 Iowa Senate Seat
Sep. 2, 2025 — Des Moines, Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced she will not seek reelection to a third term in 2026, confirming the Joni Ernst retirement first reported late last month and opening her Senate seat in a state likely Republican according to analysts.
Ernst, 55, made the Joni Ernst retirement announcement in a video statement after “a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection.”
After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026. This was no easy decision.
She cited family priorities, stating, “as our family ages and grows, it’s my time for me to give back to them.”
Background and Achievements
First elected in 2014, Ernst became Iowa’s first female U.S. senator and the first female combat veteran in the chamber. A lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, she highlighted accomplishments including legislation to prevent violence against women, support farmers and veterans, and cut federal waste.
Iowans sent me to Washington ‘with a mission in mind — to make Washington squeal,’ … I’m proud to say we have delivered.
The Joni Ernst retirement followed reports of political pressures, including backlash over her Medicaid comments and initial concerns about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s nomination.
Political Reactions
Democrats viewed the Joni Ernst retirement as an opportunity. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Ernst “dropped out … because she knows her support for Medicaid cuts is a nonstarter.”
Republicans praised her service. NRSC Chairman Tim Scott noted Ernst “has dedicated her life to serving our nation,” confident Iowa would elect another Republican. Iowa Sen. Pat Grassley called her a “valued partner.”
Ernst pledged continued involvement: “While this chapter of elected service will soon close, I will always find ways to best serve my community, state and these great United States of America.”
Potential Candidates
The Joni Ernst retirement has drawn interest. Republicans include Rep. Ashley Hinson, who announced her bid, and others like Jim Carlin. Democrats field state Sen. Zach Wahls, Rep. Josh Turek, Jackie Norris, and Nathan Sage.
Despite the open seat, the Cook Political Report rates Iowa Senate Likely Republican, given Trump’s 2024 margin.
This marks the third female GOP senator retiring this cycle, per Smart Politics.
