DES MOINES, Iowa − U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst will not seek a third term in the Senate in 2026, she announced in a video message.
"After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026," Ernst, a Republican, said in a video message.
Ernst, a military combat veteran, cast a pivotal vote earlier this year for the confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after initially expressing reservations.
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Sources familiar with Ernst's decision said Aug. 29 that she was not expected to run again, but her video message is the first formal confirmation of her decision.
