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Election 2026 Iowa Senate Ernst.

FILE - Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)

GOP congresswoman joins 2026 Iowa Senate race after Sen. Joni Ernst confirms she won’t run

September 2, 2025

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is not seeking reelection next year. Ernst says she will retire after two terms in an announcement that followed months of speculation about her plans. Ernst’s departure opens up a Senate seat in the state known for its long-serving incumbents. It is another unexpected retirement for Senate Republicans as they work to maintain their majority in the chamber, and it could have ripple effects down the ballot. Ashley Hinson, the congresswoman representing northeastern Iowa, said in a same-day announcement that she is seeking the party’s nomination for Ernst’s seat. That could complicate Republicans’ efforts to maintain their majority in the other chamber.

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FILE - Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)

Sen. Ernst of Iowa is expected to announce next month that she won’t run for reelection in 2026

August 29, 2025

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is expected to announce next month she won’t seek reelection, leaving another vacancy 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. Ernst plans to announce in September she’ll opt out of the race for a third term. That’s according to four people familiar with her plans who spoke on the condition of anonymity Friday to preview the announcement.

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