Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) formally announced in a video on Tuesday that she would not seek reelection in next year’s midterm elections.

“I will not be seeking reelection in 2026,” Ernst said. “This was no easy decision. I love my state and country.” c

Last week, a GOP insider informed The Hill that Joni Ernst was anticipated to skip running for a third Senate term. The insider highlighted that Representative Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Iowa who transitioned from journalism to politics and has been in Congress since 2021, is thought to be the front-runner to succeed her.

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report had rated her seat as “likely Republican” before news of her expected retirement broke.

Following Ernst’s announcement, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senate Campaign Committee’s Kirsten Gillibrand, both from New York, expressed concerns in a joint statement regarding the GOP’s hold on the Senate majority.

The Democrats commented, “The damaging strategies of Donald Trump and the Senate Republicans have put their majority at risk. It’s clear to Republicans that escalating costs and the dismantling of healthcare have harmed their states to such an extent that they’d prefer to exit the Senate than confront their electorate. Democrats are well-positioned to secure more seats and persist in advocating for working-class families.”

Ernst was first elected in 2014, replacing former Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa.). 

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.) praised Ernst in a statement following her retirement announcement. 

Scott remarked, “Joni Ernst has committed her life to national service and enhancing the lives of Iowans. Having traveled extensively throughout Iowa with Joni, I am aware of her deep affection for the state, which is reciprocated by Iowans.”

Updated: 1:37 p.m.