Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is expected to retire at the end of her current term and will not seek reelection in 2026, according to a Republican operative who confirmed the news to The Hill. Her departure opens up what could become a competitive race for her Senate seat.
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), a former television reporter who has served in Congress since 2021, is widely seen as the leading contender to step in as the GOP’s nominee. CBS News first reported Ernst’s decision, and an official announcement is anticipated on Thursday. Ernst’s office has not yet commented.
The Cook Political Report had previously rated Ernst’s seat as “likely Republican,” though her retirement is expected to make the contest more closely watched. Ernst, who won reelection in 2020 by more than six points over Democrat Theresa Greenfield, has been a reliable vote for the party but has also faced tough campaigns in the past.
Several Democrats have already launched campaigns for the seat, including Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris, former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce executive Nathan Sage, state Rep. Josh Turek, and state Sen. Zach Wahls. With Ernst stepping aside, the Democratic field is likely to draw even more attention and resources.
Throughout her Senate career, Ernst has had a reputation for toughness. A combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, she cast a key vote earlier this year to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth despite the controversies surrounding him. She also made headlines at a May town hall when, during a heated discussion on social safety net cuts, she told one attendee, “Well, we’re all going to die.” Critics pounced, but Ernst doubled down later, explaining that she meant it literally — joking that she was glad she didn’t have to bring up “the tooth fairy” to make her point.
Ernst first won her seat in 2014 after a competitive Republican primary that included NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker. She became nationally known that year with her ad promising to make Washington “squeal” by cutting wasteful spending, a slogan that still resonates with her base.
Her exit signals the end of one of the GOP’s most prominent female voices in the Senate and sets the stage for what could be one of the most watched races in 2026.