Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst won’t seek reelection in 2026, according to multiple news reports.
Sources told CBS News Ernst is planning to make the announcement next week. Ernst’s campaign and Senate office haven’t responded to Iowa Public Radio’s request for comment.
Ernst is serving her second term in the Senate, and Republicans Joshua Smith and former state Senator Jim Carlin previously announced they’d challenge her in the GOP primary. More Republicans may jump into the race after Ernst announces her decision.
Four Democrats are running for Senate: Des Moines School Board Chairwoman Jackie Norris, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage, state Representative Josh Turek, and state Senator Zach Wahls.
