Joni Ernst won't seek reelection to Senate in 2026: CBA

Joni Ernst won't seek reelection to Senate in 2026: CBA

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a prominent Republican, has announced that she will not seek reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2026. This decision comes amidst a highly competitive Senate landscape in the upcoming midterm elections. Ernst's decision to step down opens up a key race in Iowa, a state that has been a political battleground in recent years.

Ernst, who was first elected in 2014, has been a vocal advocate for conservative policies and has played a significant role in the Republican Party. Her decision to retire has been seen as a strategic move, allowing the party to focus on other competitive races across the country. The Iowa Senate race is now expected to be one of the more competitive contests in the 2026 midterm elections, with both Democrats and Republicans vying for the open seat.

In the context of the broader Senate elections, Ernst's decision to retire adds to the list of key races that will determine which party controls the Senate after the 2026 elections. The Senate is currently split 50-50, with the vice president serving as the tie-breaking vote. Democrats need to gain four seats to secure a majority, while Republicans need to hold onto their current seats and win at least one additional seat to maintain control.

The retirement of Ernst, along with other Senate retirements, creates openings for both parties to make gains in the upcoming elections. Democrats are eyeing a handful of competitive races and are hoping to flip seats in states that President Trump comfortably won in 2024. Meanwhile, Republicans are trying to hold onto their seats and capitalize on opportunities created by Democratic retirements.

The Iowa Senate race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 midterm elections. With Ernst's retirement, both parties will be looking to recruit strong candidates to fill the open seat. The outcome of this race, along with other key Senate races, will play a significant role in determining the balance of power in the U.S. Senate after the 2026 elections.

References:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/key-senate-contests-2026-elections/