Democrats still face an uphill fight to win in Iowa and retake the majority in the closely divided Senate.

Democrats still face an uphill fight to win in Iowa and retake the majority in the closely divided Senate.

Ernst, a former Army National Guard member and a retired lieutenant colonel, was first elected to an open Senate seat in 2014.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, will not seek re-election when her term ends next year. Democrats have already joined the race to become her replacement in the Senate.