Sen. Ernst of Iowa is expected to announce next month she won’t run for reelection in 2026 Politics Aug 29, 2025 1:09 PM EDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iraq War combat veteran and Iowa’s first woman elected to Congress, is expected to announce next month she will not seek reelection, leaving another hole in an Iowa seat that could have ripple effects down the ballot as Democrats look to the state for pickup opportunities.

As Senate Republicans work to maintain their majority in the chamber, Ernst is joining a wave of her peers making headaches for the party. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina turned down a reelection bid after clashing with President Donald Trump.

Educate your inbox

Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t fin

See Full Page