Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) will not run for a third term in 2026, according to CBS News.
Ernst, 55, gave no public reason for her decision. Those close to the senator said she intends to enter the private sector after two terms in office.
A Republican Seat in Red Iowa
Her retirement provides Republicans with a modestly safe opportunity to retain the seat, as Iowa has trended solidly Republican over the past decade.
Still, Democrats have already entered the race, including state Sen. Zach Wahls, state Rep. Josh Turek, and Des Moines School Board chairwoman Jackie Norris.
Recent polling from Wahls’ campaign showed Ernst in a tight contest, leading Wahls 43%–42% in one scenario and trailing by two points in another.
She held leads against other Democrats.
Ernst’s Remarks and Party Outlook
At a meeting of the Westside Conservative Club earlier this year, Ernst brushed off speculation, insisting Republicans would maintain control of the Senate regardless of her decision.
“Every day we get a new Democratic member of the House or Senate that decides to run for this