In what many conservatives are calling “long overdue,” Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) — a fixture of the D.C. establishment and one of the Senate’s most disappointing “Republicans” — has officially announced that she will not seek reelection in 2026.
Ernst, who once campaigned as a tough, no-nonsense conservative vowing to “make Washington squeal,” ultimately became another cog in the Beltway machine — backing weak compromises, siding with RINOs, and even attempting to derail the confirmation of now–Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, one of President Trump’s strongest America First allies.
In a lengthy, self-congratulatory video message posted to social media, Ernst recounted her life story and political résumé before finally announcing her decision to bow out. “My fellow Iowans,” she began, “serving as your United States senator is the privilege of a lifetime… having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support, now as our family ages and grows, it’s my time for me to give back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026.”
For many in the conservative movement, Ernst’s retirement marks the end of an era of Republican weakness — one defined by empty promises, endless compromise, and the prioritization of personal ambition over principle.
As conservative commentator Nick Sortor wrote on X, “🚨 BREAKING: RINO Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), who tried to DERAIL Pete Hegseth’s confirmation, just officially announced she will NOT be running for reelection. Ernst also infamously praised George Floyd — a slap in the face to our police. Iowa can elect a MAGA Senator in 2026!”
Despite her polished farewell, Ernst’s speech struck many as tone-deaf. The senator rattled off a list of so-called “accomplishments,” claiming she helped “cut waste, fraud, and abuse,” “protected the unborn,” and “supported small businesses.” But many Iowa conservatives argue that her record tells a different story — one of missed opportunities and political timidity.
Her critics have long accused her of being more interested in Washington cocktail parties than fighting for conservative values. From her tepid approach to border security to her refusal to stand firmly with President Trump during key battles, Ernst increasingly found herself out of step with her own base.
And while she tried to frame her exit as a family decision — citing a desire to “give back” to her loved ones — many Republicans believe the real reason is simpler: she saw the writing on the wall. After years of alienating grassroots conservatives, her odds of surviving a primary challenge from a Trump-aligned candidate were slim to none.
The senator’s departure now opens the door for Iowa to send a true fighter to Washington — someone who won’t bend to the D.C. establishment or pander to the left.
As one Iowa conservative posted, “We don’t need more career politicians talking about ‘service’ — we need warriors who will actually fight for America.”
With Ernst stepping aside, 2026 is shaping up to be a critical test for the Republican Party’s direction: continue down the tired path of compromise and corporate conservatism, or embrace the populist, America First agenda that continues to energize voters across the heartland.
For Iowa — and the country — the message is clear: the RINO era is ending, and the MAGA movement is just getting started.
