Washington is about to get a surprise: Senator Joni Ernst, one of the GOP’s most recognizable fiscal conservatives, has decided not to run for reelection in 2026.
Sources close to the Iowa Republican confirmed to CBS News that the 55-year-old lawmaker plans to step away from the Senate when her current term ends on January 3, 2027.
Her official announcement is expected on Thursday.
Ernst’s office has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving political observers speculating about what this means for Iowa and the national GOP landscape.
From Soldier to Senator
Ernst has made history throughout her career. She was the first female combat veteran to serve in Congress, joining the Senate in 2015.
Before her political career, she attended Iowa State University and served tours in Kuwait and Iraq as part of the Army Reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard.
The two-term senator from southwestern Iowa built her reputation on a blend of military service and conservative fiscal policies, often highlighting waste in government programs.
Her monthly “Squeal Award” has become a hallmark of her efforts to identify and combat federal inefficiency.
Tensions with Trump and the Hegseth Controversy
Ernst’s departure comes after months of high-profile political skirmishes, including a notable clash over former Fox News host Pete Hegseth’s nomination as secretary of defense.
While a staunch Trump ally and once considered as a potential running mate in 2016, Ernst expressed concerns over allegations against Hegseth related to alcohol misuse and the treatment of women.
Her hesitation sparked tension with Trump’s inner circle, which reportedly threatened her with a MAGA-backed primary challenger.
Despite the pressure, Ernst initially held her ground, though she eventually voted to confirm Hegseth in a razor-thin 51-50 Senate vote after Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaker.
Legislative Focus and Achievements
Throughout her Senate tenure, Ernst has been a vocal advocate for accountability in government and a champion of military personnel.
She co-founded the bipartisan Senate DOGE Caucus in November 2024—short for “Defending Our Government from Excess”—which targets waste, fraud, and abuse across federal agencies.
Her work has focused particularly on oversight of sexual assault and harassment in the military, reflecting both her professional background and personal experiences.
Despite encouragement from the White House to seek a third term, including overtures from Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Ernst has opted to step back from the political spotlight.
Who Could Replace Her?
Ernst’s exit opens the door for a competitive Republican primary in Iowa.
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, 42, a former TV journalist and current member of the House since 2021, is widely considered a top contender.
Another potential candidate is NATO Ambassador Matt Whitaker, who previously challenged Ernst in the 2014 Republican primary.
With the seat now up for grabs, Iowa Republicans are preparing for what promises to be a high-stakes contest that could reshape the state’s political landscape.
