Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has reportedly told confidants she will not run for re-election — a decision that would put the national spotlight on Iowa’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.
Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson reports:
At least five Democrats and two Republicans have previously announced they’re running for Ernst’s U.S. Senate seat. Matt Whitaker, President Trump’s NATO Ambassador, ran for the U.S. Senate in 2014 and national media outlets are now reporting he’s considering the 2026 race. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson — mentioned often as a likely candidate should Ernst step aside — held a fundraiser last Saturday and she pledged to fight alongside Trump on a variety of fronts.
Ernst’s official announcement is expected next Thursday. Iowa has not had an open U.S. Senate race since 2014 when Democrat Tom Harkin announced he would not seek re-election. 1968 is the last time Iowa had open races for the U.S. Senate AND governor.
story courtesy of Radio Iowa; archived photo
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