DES MOINES, Iowa – Senator Joni Ernst is nearing the end of her second term, and it appears there won’t be a third. Multiple sources, including the Associated Press, are reporting that Ernst will announce she is not running for re-election next month.

The senator has not responded to a request for comment.

Ernst took office in 2014, fueled by the campaign motto, “Make ‘Em squeal.” Ernst defeated Democratic Congressman Bruce Braley to win her first term, and Theresa Greenfield to win her second.

When originally running for Senate, Ernst told voters she only intended to serve two terms. She was asked about the possibility of a third earlier this month at the Iowa state fair.

“Well, I will tell you, no announcement today, but here in the next several weeks we’ll have an announcement,” said Ernst back on August 12.

Ernst has not released any information about a possible announcement.

Most members of Congress are on break and back in their own states for the August recess, with
the Senate back in session on Tuesday.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart released a statement on the reports of Ernst not seeking reelection, saying, “Joni Ernst is retiring because she knows that Iowans are furious at her and Washington Republicans for threatening our health care and spiking costs for families. No matter which Republican runs for this seat, they can’t hide from the harm the GOP has caused to working families across Iowa. Iowans continue to show that they are ready for change, and we will be working overtime to elect a Democrat to represent us in the Senate in 2026.” 

Currently, several Democrats are vying for Ernst’s seat, including Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris, former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nathan Sage, State Representative Josh Turek, and State Senator Zach Wahls.

Two Republican candidates also already announced campaigns: former State Senator Jim Carlin and Indianola Republican Joshua Smith.

The question now is, will Senator Ernst’s decision not to run lead to more campaign shake-ups?
The Associated Press reports Iowa’s Second District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson is widely considered likely to enter the race for Senate. Hinson previously signaled her intention to run for a fourth term in the second district, where she currently does not face a republican opponent.