Thoughts on Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa not seeking reelection?

[Cubus]

Sen. Joni Ernst will not seek reelection in 2026.

Ernst, a two-term senator, had been mulling the possibility of retirement for months despite previously expressing her intent to run for reelection. The senator has dealt with multiple setbacks in that time, however, facing backlash from MAGA allies over her initial criticism of Trump’s pick for Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, and receiving blowback from her comments on Medicaid cuts during a town hall, saying “Well, we are all going to die.” Some Democrats believe Ernst, because of her Medicaid comments, would have been more vulnerable than another Republican that would not come into the race with that political baggage.

Rep. Ashley Hinson, an Iowa Republican and former TV news anchor, has also privately expressed interest in running if Ernst retires and is now expected to join the race.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/29/joni-ernst-iowa-not-running-2026-00535754

[OlderAndWiser]

Probably a good move for the Republican party to try to maintain a majority in the Senate.

[Cubus]

Republicans will maintain a majority in the Senate. The only case is: how big of a margain.

[dustybiker2]

Sees the writing on the wall. Mental case.

[exitseven]

dont let the door hit you on the way out.