Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, the motorcycle-riding Republican who came to Congress more than a decade ago vowing to “make ’em squeal,” won’t run for reelection next year, giving Democrats an opening in a red-trending state.
“As our family ages and grows, it’s my time for me to give back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026,” Ernst said in a video posted Tuesday on her social media accounts. Her decision was first reported Friday by CBS News.
Hours after the announcement, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, long seen as a potential successor to Ernst, jumped into the Senate race.
