Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst will not seek another term in the Senate, she announced in a video posted Tuesday to X.
“It has been an honor to dedicate my life to the service of our great state and country,” Ernst said. “Having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support, now, as our family ages and grows, it’s my time to give back to them.”
News of Ernst’s incoming announcement came out on Friday, kicking off a race for a Republican seat that has gained some potential with Democrats in recent months. There’s already a crowded Democratic primary field, including Nathan Sage, state Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls.
Rep. Ashley Hinson is reportedly considering running on the Republican side. In a post on X just after Ernst’s announcement, Hinson said she and her husband “will have an announcement soon about how we believe we can best serve Iowa, and how we can help President Trump make America great again.”
“I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with the President to pass his America First agenda in the House and I would be his strongest ally in the Senate,” Hinson wrote.