DES MOINES, Iowa -- (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) -- The two Iowa legislators who are running for the U.S. Senate in 2026 have released endorsements of more than two dozen current and former state lawmakers.

The announcements from the two Democrats come as the Republican field has dramatically changed this week.

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, confirmed in a video Tuesday that she would not seek a third term.

Four hours later, U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Marion, announced that she would run for her party’s nomination for Ernst’s seat rather than pursue a fourth term.

Jim Carlin, a former state senator from Sioux City, and Joshua Smith of Indianola previously announced their Republican campaigns for Ernst’s seat.

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