Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa to retire in 2026, opening Senate seat
Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa is expected to announce she will not seek reelection in 2026, creating an open seat that could impact the state's political landscape, with potential candidates including Rep. Ashley Hinson and several Democrats. Her departure follows similar moves by other Iowa Republicans and signals a possible shift in the state's political dynamics, which have trended Republican in recent years.