Controversial Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced on September 2, 2025, that she will not seek reelection in 2026, citing prayer and reflection after serving as a combat veteran and senator. The widely disliked RINO vowed to continue serving Iowa and America in other ways.
Reacting to the news, establishment Republicans like Lindsey Graham praised her politics, while MAGA commentators celebrated her exit as a significant victory, directly tying it to her initial hesitation on Pete Hegseth’s SecDef nomination and past praise for George Floyd.
Declaring victory over the beaten Senator, Conservative voices declared “MAGA broke Joni Ernst,” hailing the open seat as a chance for a true Trump loyalist in 2026. Likewise, many mocked her for past blunders and lack of loyalty.
Announcing her decision to step down, the RINO said, “After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026… This was no easy decision. I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States senator.”
Bringing her self-congratulatory comments to a close, she noted, “While this chapter of elected service will soon close, I will always find ways to best serve my community, state, and these great United States of America.”
Describing her values, an official “Senator Ernst is focused on her work delivering for Iowans in the Senate to make Washington ‘squeal,’ making President Trump’s historic tax cuts permanent through the One Big Beautiful Bill, and advancing a strong NDAA.”
While most of the commentary was negative, some other RINOs issued saccharine statements. “It is with great sadness and disappointment that I learned that @SenJoniErnst will not seek reelection. However, it’s a decision I understand and respect,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) posted to X.
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Continuing his comments, Graham stated, “Joni has so much to be proud of, and she is one of the most effective voices in our country for a strong military and robust foreign policy… She will be highly successful at whatever she chooses to do next, but one thing is for sure, there is more quality grandbaby time ahead for Joni!”
However, every day, conservatives were much harsher. A number of comments drew attention to her wavering support for Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defence. While initially she was swayed by baseless Democrat allegations, she eventually decided to support him after wasting precious time in the confirmation process.
For example, one commenter quipped, “Remember when Iowa Senator Joni Ernst almost derailed Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense? And MAGA said they’d never forget? She’s now retiring. MAGA broke Joni Ernst. It’s official,”
Picking out other objectionable issues, Conservatives continued to slam the Iowa senator. “🚨 BREAKING: RINO Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), who tried to DERAIL Pete Hegseth’s confirmation, just officially announced she will NOT be running for re-election. Ernst also infamously praised George Floyd—a slap in the face to our police. Iowa can elect a MAGA Senator in 2026!🇺🇸” another use noted.