Joni Ernst
Republican US senator from Iowa, not seeking re-election.
Joni Ernst is Iowa’s Republican US senator and will not seek re-election. On 22 September, a Marist Poll focused attention on the contest for her open seat.
Last refreshed: 24 September 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Why did Joni Ernst's retirement turn Iowa's Senate race into a toss-up?
Timeline for Joni Ernst
Mentioned in: Democratic groups file $67.97m in Iowa
US Midterms 2026Marist poll puts Turek ahead in Iowa
US Midterms 2026Background
Joni Ernst is a Republican US senator from Iowa who is not seeking re-election. Her planned departure leaves an open Senate seat and makes her the departing officeholder in Iowa’s 2026 Senate transition.
Ernst’s relevance rests on her current Senate role and the consequences of ending her tenure. On 22 September, coverage of a Marist Poll treated the successor race as newly competitive, with Democrat Josh Turek ahead of Republican Ashley Hinson.
For readers following Iowa politics, Ernst is therefore the incumbent whose retirement has reshaped the contest, rather than a candidate in the race to succeed her.
Why is Joni Ernst not running for re-election in 2026?
Who is running to replace Joni Ernst in the Senate?
Is Josh Turek leading in the Iowa Senate race?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 24 September 2026. Editorial standards.