Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a two-term Republican and one of the party’s most recognizable figures from the Midwest, has reportedly told confidantes she will not seek reelection in 2026, according to CBS News.
CBS News senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs wrote on X Friday: “Iowa’s Joni Ernst has told confidantes she plans to reveal next week that she won’t seek reelection in 2026.”
The announcement, if confirmed, would mark the end of a Senate career that began in 2014 and quickly elevated Ernst into Republican leadership. “She has long been viewed as a rising star within the party, and she beat Nebraska Sen. Deb Fischer in 2018 to join the GOP leadership team,” Politico reported.
Ernst’s decision comes despite personal appeals from Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota, who said he was doing “everything I can to encourage her to run for reelection.”
The retirement of a prominent Midwestern Republican could reshape the political map in 2026, as Iowa remains a critical state for presidential elections and national party strategy.
Before her election to Congress, Ernst built a résumé that set her apart in Washington. She served 23 years in the military, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard in 2015.
Her service included combat duty as a company commander in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, experience that earned her credibility in foreign policy debates and within the veteran community.
In the Senate, Ernst consistently focused on national security and America’s role in the Middle East, particularly the U.S. partnership with Israel.
Among her legislative accomplishments are the DEFEND Act, the MARITIME Act, and the STARS Act — measures aimed at deepening cooperation between the United States and its allies in a region often at the center of global conflict.
Supporters have long argued that Ernst’s military background and principled leadership made her an effective advocate for a strong national defense.
Her retirement would leave a noticeable void for Republicans who see her as a model of conservative strength paired with practical policymaking.
Rumors of Ernst’s desire to step away from politics circulated earlier this summer, though few believed she would follow through.
The possibility that she could exit the Senate after just two terms underscores how dramatically the political environment has shifted in recent years.
For a party balancing internal divisions and preparing for a high-stakes 2026 election cycle, Ernst’s departure could remove a steadying influence at a time when the GOP is searching for unity.
Her decision also highlights the personal toll of public service, especially for lawmakers with military backgrounds. Having already dedicated more than two decades to her country in uniform and another decade in elected office, Ernst may now be ready to return to private life.
If confirmed, her exit will represent not only the end of one senator’s career but the loss of a distinctive voice in Washington — a combat veteran who championed strong alliances, especially with Israel, and who embodied the values of service and conservative leadership.
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