From the Washington Examiner: Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has decided not to run for a third term in the U.S. Senate, ending more than a decade in Washington and setting off a scramble for her seat in 2026.
In a video announcement, Ernst called serving Iowans “the privilege of a lifetime,” citing her upbringing on a farm in southwestern Iowa, her two decades in the Army Reserve and Iowa National Guard, and her years in public office.
“This was no easy decision,” she said. “I love my state and country. But as our family ages and grows, it’s time for me to give back to them.”
Elected in 2014 as the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate, Ernst rose to prominence with her “make Washington squeal” campaign ad that promised to cut wasteful spending. She highlighted that message again in her farewell.
Ernst, 55, will continue to serve in the Senate until the end of her current term, which expires at the beginning of January 2027.
According to Fox News, multiple sources have confirmed that GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson, a former TV news anchor who is currently in her third term representing Iowa in the U.S. House, is intending to run for Ernst’s senate seat.
WATCH Ernst’s full announcement in the video below:
READ MORE from the Washington Examiner.
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