U.S. Senator Joni Ernst Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election

WASHINGTON (Aug. 29, 2025) - Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa informed close associates on Friday that she will not run for re-election in 2026, according to CBS News. Ernst, 55, who first won her seat in 2014, communicated her decision amid mounting speculation over her political future and concerns within her party about retaining its slim Senate majority.

Ernst’s choice not to pursue a third term could complicate Republicans’ efforts to hold the chamber. The GOP currently controls the Senate by a 53-47 margin, making Iowa a key battleground in next year’s elections. Party strategists have already begun assessing potential successors. Among those expressing interest are former state Senator Jim Carlin and Navy veteran Joshua Smith, though neither has matched Ernst’s fundraising prowess to date.

In declining to run, Ernst cited a desire to focus on personal priorities after nearly two decades of public service. She has served since 2015 as Iowa’s senior senator and is known for her work on agriculture and national security issues. During her tenure, she backed the 2018 Farm Bill and co-sponsored legislation expanding rural broadband access.

Ernst’s announcement comes as Senate Republicans brace for competitive races in other states, including North Carolina-where Senator Thom Tillis recently declared his retirement-and Texas, where a fractious GOP primary is underway. Party leaders have expressed confidence in fielding strong candidates in Iowa but acknowledge that Ernst’s departure creates an opening for Democrats in a state President Joe Biden narrowly carried in 2020.

Ernst will complete her current term through January 2027. A formal statement from her office is expected in the coming days, at which time she will likely outline her legislative priorities through the remainder of her Senate service.