Sen. Joni Ernst will not seek reelection in 2026, two people familiar with her decision confirmed to POLITICO, opening up a Senate seat in a red-leaning state Democrats hope to target.
The Iowa Republican’s plans shake up the battle for the midterms. The two people were granted anonymity to discuss the senator’s decision before it was made public.
Senate Republicans were already bracing for her potential retirement, raising concerns that the GOP will have another seat to defend next fall. The decision to retire comes despite lobbying from Senate leadership and the White House for Ernst to run for reelection.
A handful of Iowa Democrats are already vying for the seat, including state Sen. Zach Wahls and state Rep. Josh Turek. Rep. Ashley Hinson, an Iowa Republican and former TV news anchor, has also privately expressed interest in running if Ernst retires and is now expected to join the race, according to two Republicans granted anonymity to disclose private discussions.
