Iowa’s 2026 Senate Race Explodes as Sen. Joni Ernst Announces Retirement, Rep. Ashley Hinson Declares Candidacy
Iowa’s 2026 Senate Race Explodes as Sen. Joni Ernst Announces Retirement, Rep. Ashley Hinson Declares Candidacy DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) on Tuesday confirmed she will not seek re-election in 2026, dramatically reshaping the state’s political landscape and setting the stage for a high-stakes open Senate contest. Her announcement was swiftly followed by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) declaring her intent to run for the now-vacant Republican nomination. Ernst’s decision, confirmed in a video post after months…