–Iowa Senator Joni Ernst officially announced that she will not seek reelection in 2026 Tuesday morning, confirming reports from last week that she would not run for a third term. During an interview with KLGA News Tuesday afternoon, Senator Chuck Grassley expressed his appreciation for Ernst’s service.
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who represents Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, announced that she will seek Ernst’s seat Tuesday afternoon. Grassley says he’s not sure who else may seek the seat.
Grassley, who is currently serving his 8th term in the Senate, says he will not lend his name to anyone seeking Ernst’s seat.
Two Republicans, Joshua Smith of Bettendorf and former State Representative Jim Carlin announced their intentions to challenge Ernst in next June’s Republican primary earlier this year. Carlin criticized Hinson’s entrance into the race on Tuesday during an event in West Des Moines. Democrats seeking the seat will have to win June’s primary, with 5 candidates currently campaigning to be their party’s nominee.
