Iowa's US Senate race: What Joni Ernst's exit means for 2026

For only the third time in 50 years, Iowa will have an open U.S. Senate race on the ballot come next year.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst's decision not to run for reelection has reset the Republican field, spurring U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson to jump into the race , where she has worked to quickly consolidate support from national and Iowa Republican officials , including a Friday evening endorsement from President Donald Trump .