The GOP has a majority in the U.S. Senate. But that could all be coming to an end sooner than expected.
And Republicans are flabbergasted over this Senator’s sudden retirement announcement.
America’s heartland is losing a fierce champion in the Senate as Iowa’s own Sen. Joni Ernst announced she won’t seek another term in 2026. After over a decade of relentless service, is stepping back to focus on family.
“Serving as your United States senator is the privilege of a lifetime,” Ernst declared in a heartfelt video message. “Now, as our family ages and grows, it’s my time to give back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking re-election in 2026.”
Ernst’s journey is the embodiment of the American dream. From toiling on her family’s farm to rising as a lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, she served with honor during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her path took her from Montgomery County auditor to state senator, and finally to the U.S. Senate in 2014.
In Washington, Ernst became a bulldog for taxpayers, never shying away from her “make Washington squeal” pledge. She founded the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) caucus, a move to root out the rot of government waste. Whether it was exposing billions in coronavirus aid fraud or slamming the brakes on federal misuse of credit cards, Ernst fought to ensure every penny of taxpayer money was respected.
Her legislative record is a masterclass in conservative priorities. Ernst championed Sarah’s Law to demand that federal authorities detain illegal aliens charged with serious crimes.
She took aim at bloated federal projects, calling out overbudget “boondoggles” like California’s high-speed rail and the Postal Service’s electric vehicle push. In August alone, she pushed to claw back $14 billion from stalled transportation projects.
Ernst’s heart has always been with Iowa’s farmers and small businesses. Iowa GOP Chair Jeff Kaufmann praised her for “cutting government waste, stopping abuse of taxpayer dollars, protecting Iowa’s farms and small businesses, and passing Sarah’s Law.” Her work ensured rural America had a voice in a Senate too often dominated by coastal elites.
A staunch defender of life, Ernst fought tirelessly to protect the unborn, earning praise from Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, who called her an advocate for the voiceless. Her commitment to national security and veterans’ issues was equally unyielding, with a focus on strengthening the U.S. military to counter threats in an increasingly dangerous world.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) didn’t mince words, calling Ernst “an outstanding senator, a patriot, and a trusted friend.” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) echoed that sentiment, hailing her as “one of the most effective voices in our country for a strong military and robust foreign policy.” These tributes from fellow conservatives show the deep respect Ernst commanded across the GOP.
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) captured Ernst’s story perfectly, describing it as “a powerful example of the American dream.” Hinson stated that she and her husband, Matt, are gearing up to carry the torch, promising to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda in the upper chamber of Congress. This ensures Iowa’s conservative values will remain strong.
Ernst’s oversight work exposed the ugly underbelly of government spending. From international programs burning through taxpayer dollars to federal agencies treating credit cards like personal piggy banks, she held the line against waste. Her push to rescind billions from failing projects showed her unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline.
“While this chapter of elected service will soon close, I will always find ways to best serve my community, state, and these great United States of America,” Ernst vowed. Her words are a reminder that true service doesn’t end with a title—it’s a lifelong calling. Whether in uniform or in office, Ernst has always put America first.
Her departure leaves big boots to fill. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) offered gratitude to Ernst for being “a friend, mentor, and fighter for Iowa.” That mentorship will no doubt shape the next generation of Iowa conservatives ready to take on Washington’s swamp.
Ernst’s tenure wasn’t just about policy wins; it was about proving that a farm girl from Iowa could shake up the establishment. She brought grit, faith, and a no-nonsense attitude to a Senate often mired in bureaucracy. Her record of standing up for veterans, farmers, and the unborn will inspire patriots for years to come.
As Ernst prepares to step away in January 2027, her legacy is a rallying cry for conservatives. She showed that one voice, rooted in principle, can make Washington tremble.
The road ahead for Iowa’s Senate seat is already buzzing with anticipation. With Hinson and others poised to carry forward Trump’s America First agenda, Ernst’s departure isn’t an end but a new beginning.
My message to Iowans: pic.twitter.com/K6mHG6bSuE
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) September 2, 2025
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