By Blessing Nweke

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has decided not to seek re-election in 2026, according to three individuals familiar with her plans. The move, first reported  News, marks the latest shake-up in Iowa politics following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ decision not to run again.

Ernst, 55, first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2020 by over six points, had long promised to serve only two terms. Her departure creates an open Senate seat in a state where Democrats have struggled in recent years but see opportunity amid shifting dynamics. They haven’t won a Senate race in Iowa since 2008.

Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, is expected to run for Ernst’s seat, sources say. Hinson, a former TV news anchor, flipped a Democratic seat in 2020 and is seen by some in the GOP as a strong contender. NATO Ambassador Matt Whitaker is also reportedly weighing a bid.

All four of Iowa’s congressional seats are currently held by Republicans. While some, like Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, are likely to stay in the House, Rep. Randy Feenstra is running for governor, further shifting the state’s political landscape.

Democrats jumping into the Senate race include state Rep. Josh Turek, state Sen. Zach Wahls, Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris, and veteran Nathan Sage.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., welcomed the news, arguing it boosts Democrats’ chances to reclaim the Senate majority in 2026.

Ernst’s legacy includes her memorable 2014 campaign ad about castrating pigs and her work on military sexual assault — but she has recently faced growing pressure from the GOP’s right wing.