(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has released a video statement to announce she will not seek reelection in 2026. “This was no easy decision. I love my state and country,” Ernst said.”It’s the very reason I decided to wear our nation’s uniform and run for election in the first place.”

Ernst, who is 55, served in the Iowa National Guard, did a tour of duty in Iraq, and was the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate. She also served as Montgomery County’s Auditor and a state senator before running for the U.S. Senate in 2014. “Having been raised in a family that has given me so much love and support now, as our family ages and grows, it’s time my time for me to give back to them.”

Ernst’s first grandchild was born in February of last year.