Ernst announces retirement

Montgomery County native and current U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, who has served as one of Iowa’s two senators since 2015, has announced she will not be seeking re-election in 2026.
Ernst, who also served as Montgomery County Auditor beginning in 2004 and later as a State Senator in Iowa District 12, announced her decision not to run via a video message posted on Sept. 2.
“From growing up and working on my family farm in rural Southwest Iowa, to more than two decades of leadership in the U.S. Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard, where I deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, to my work as Montgomery County Auditor, state senator, and now as your United States Senator, it has been an honor to dedicate my life to the service of our great state and country,” Ernst said.
She also had a special message to the voters in Red Oak and Montgomery County who have been so supportive.
“Folks in Montgomery County have been by my side since the very beginning. They instilled in me the homegrown Iowa values I’ve carried through the halls of Congress and gave me my start in public service as county auditor,” stated Ernst. “I never imagined that this farm girl would serve as a United States Senator — it has been the privilege of a lifetime that would not have been possible without my roots.”
Ernst added that she has been raised in a family who has given her so much love and support, and now as her family ages and grows, it’s her time to give back to them.
“After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking re-election. This was no easy decision. I love my state and country. It’s the very reason why I decided to wear our nation’s uniform and run for elected office in the first place,” commented Ernst. “I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel, and then, a United States senator. Only in America, and by the grace of God.”
Ernst also said that 11 years ago, Iowans elected her as the first female combat veteran to the U.S. Senate, and they did so with a mission in mind, ‘to make Washington squeal.’
“I’m proud to say we have delivered. We’ve cut waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government, and reigned in over burdensome rules and regulations.
We’ve protected the lives of the unborn, prevented violence against women, supported our hardworking farmers, families, and small businesses. We’ve honored and fought for our fellow veterans and strengthened our military and the brave men and women who choose to serve,” advised Ernst.
As a proud Harley Davidson rider, Ernst said people could rest assured that she’s not slowing down any time soon.
“There is still so much to accomplish before the end of my term, and I’ll keep fighting every single day, as I always have, to make Iowans’ voices heard loud and clear in the halls of congress,” Ernst explained.
While this chapter of elected service will soon close, Ernst said she will always find ways to best serve her community, state, and these great United States of America.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley released the following statement after Ernst announced she would not seek another term in the U.S. Senate:
“It has been an honor to serve Iowans alongside my friend and colleague, Joni Ernst, since Iowans elected her in 2014. As the Senate’s first female combat veteran and Iowa’s first woman elected to Congress, she broke barriers at every turn and accomplished what she set out to do: ‘Make ‘em squeal.’ After a long career in the Iowa National Guard as well as elected office, Joni has served our country and state with pride and distinction. Barbara and I wish her well and know that whatever she chooses to do in her next chapter, they will be lucky to have this outstanding leader on the team. I will miss serving with Joni but know she will enjoy having more time to cherish her favorite role, as a mother and grandmother,” stated Grassley. “Joni is a valued partner in the Senate, and I look forward to working together on issues important to Iowans throughout the remainder of her term.”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement after Ernst’s announcement on Sept. 2.
“Sen. Ernst has been a tireless advocate for Iowa, and a strong voice for our farmers, rural communities, and all who call this state home. From expanding markets for biofuels to championing rural small businesses and fighting burdensome federal regulations, she has never stopped working to make sure Iowa’s values and priorities are heard in Washington,” said Naig. “While I’m sad to see her step away, I’m grateful for her service, her leadership, and her friendship, and I wish her the very best in her next chapter.”
Iowa State Treasurer Roby Smith released the following statement regarding the announcement.
“I want to thank Senator Ernst for her years of dedication and service to Iowa, and our nation, both as an elected official and in our nation’s military. I remember when we were sworn into the Legislature together in 2011, and then watched as she trail blazed the path to the U.S. Senate. She has led with courage and conviction, and her commitment to veterans, families, and rural communities has made a lasting impact. Kari and I wish her all the very best in the years ahead,” commented Smith.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who also recently declined to run for re-election as governor, issued the following statement.
“Joni is a dear friend who cares deeply about serving her fellow Iowans. Her years of dedicated public service in county, state, and federal government, as well as her distinguished military career, are a testament to her dedication to Iowa and our great country. Joni will be missed in Congress, and Kevin and I wish her and her family the best in this next chapter,” Reynolds explained.