(Radio Iowa) – Matt Whitaker, President Trump’s NATO Ambassador, ran for the U.S. Senate in 2014 and national media outlets are now reporting he’s considering the 2026 race. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson — mentioned often as a likely candidate should Ernst step aside — held a fundraiser last Saturday and she pledged to fight alongside Trump on a variety of fronts.

Former State Senator Jim Carlin of Sergeant Bluff and former national Libertarian Party leader Joshua Smith of Indianola have both said they’re running against Ernst. Ernst’s withdrawal announcement is expected next Thursday. Iowa has not had an open U.S. Senate race since 2014 when Democrat Tom Harkin announced he would not seek reelection. The last time Iowa had an open races for the U.S. Senate AND governor.