Sen. Joni Ernst to Step Down in 2026, Opening Key Iowa Senate Seat
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa will not seek re-election in 2026, opening a U.S. Senate seat. This creates a significant opportunity for Democrats in an increasingly competitive state.
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Overview
- Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa is expected to announce next month that she will not seek re-election in 2026, with her current term concluding in January 2027.
- This decision creates an open U.S. Senate seat in Iowa for the first time since 2014, following her 2020 re-election win by over six percentage points.
- The move presents a significant opportunity for Democrats to achieve a political comeback in Iowa, a state that has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles.
- Discussions are already underway regarding potential candidates, including Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is reportedly planning to run, and state Rep. Josh Turek for the open seat.
- Ernst's decision was influenced by past criticisms over Medicaid remarks, backlash concerning same-sex marriage support, and her unsuccessful bid for Senate GOP leadership.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover Senator Ernst's decision to not seek re-election with a focus on factual reporting and comprehensive context. They present various political implications, including the opening of a competitive race and the state's shifting political landscape, without employing loaded language or exhibiting a clear bias towards any party or outcome.
"Ernst plans to announce in September that she will opt out of the race for a third term, according to four people familiar with her plans who spoke Friday on the condition of anonymity to preview the announcement."
Chicago Tribune"Ernst's announcement is almost certain to spur higher-profile Republicans to enter the race."
USA TODAY"Iowa Republicans also have a fairly deep bench beyond Hinson; the party will still enter next yearâs Senate race with an advantage."
Semafor"Ernst plans to announce that she will not run for re-election next year, according to three people familiar with her decision."
NBC News"Ernst plans to announce in September that she will opt out of the race for a third term, according to four people familiar with her plans who spoke Friday on the condition of anonymity to preview the announcement."
Associated PressArticles (11)
Center (5)
FAQ
Senator Joni Ernst's decision not to seek re-election in 2026 was influenced by past criticisms over her Medicaid remarks, backlash concerning her support of same-sex marriage, and her unsuccessful bid for Senate GOP leadership.
The 2026 Senate race in Iowa is expected to be highly competitive, as Senator Joni Ernst's retirement opens a significant opportunity for Democrats in a state that has become increasingly competitive in recent elections, despite its increasingly Republican trend at the federal level.
Potential candidates for the Iowa Senate seat include Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is reportedly planning to run, and Democrat state Rep. Josh Turek for the open seat.
Iowa has trended increasingly Republican in federal elections, voting for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012 but shifting strongly red in subsequent years, with Republican Donald Trump winning Iowa by 8 points in 2020 and expanding to 13 points in 2024.
In May 2025, Senator Ernst sparked controversy during a town hall when responding to concerns about thousands of preventable deaths from Medicaid cuts by saying, "Well, we all are going to die," which drew significant criticism.
History
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