Joni Ernst

On January 22, 2014, Joni Ernst announced her candidacy for the United States Senate from Iowa. She was running for the seat opened up by the retirement of Democrat Tom Harkin. Ernst was serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard and was also an Iowa State Senator. Her announcement included a strong focus on reducing government spending, health care reform, and supporting veterans. She quickly gained attention for her campaign ads and personal story.

On June 3, 2014, Joni Ernst won the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate in Iowa, capturing 56% of the vote. Her primary campaign attracted national attention due to her viral television ad in which she discussed her experience castrating hogs and her promise to "cut pork" in Washington, D.C. The ad helped her distinguish herself from her opponents and gain a reputation as a strong conservative candidate willing to take tough actions.

On November 4, 2014, Joni Ernst made history by becoming the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Iowa. She defeated Democratic nominee Bruce Braley in the general election, receiving 52.2% of the vote. Her election was part of a larger trend of Republican victories nationwide in the 2014 midterm elections. Ernst's campaign focused on her military background, conservative principles, and her pledge to reduce government spending and regulations.

On January 20, 2015, Joni Ernst delivered the Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address. As a newly elected senator, Ernst was chosen to present the GOP's perspective and priorities. In her address, she highlighted her Iowa roots and military service, and she emphasized Republican initiatives on tax reform, health care, and national security. Her speech included personal anecdotes and was notable for its focus on bipartisan cooperation and American values.

On November 6, 2018, Joni Ernst was re-elected to the United States Senate. During her campaign, she focused on her work in the Senate related to agriculture, veterans affairs, and the economy. Ernst's campaign emphasized her dedication to Iowa's values and her experience as both a veteran and a farmer. She aimed to reinforce her commitment to conservative policies and her alignment with the priorities of Iowa residents. Her re-election was significant for solidifying her role as an influential Republican voice in the Senate.

On June 4, 2020, Joni Ernst officially began her general election campaign against Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield in the 2020 U.S. Senate election. Ernst, who was already serving as Iowa's junior senator, emphasized her record in the Senate, focusing on tax cuts, deregulation, and support for veterans. Greenfield criticized Ernst for her alignment with President Trump and her votes on health care and social issues. The race was closely watched and became one of the most expensive Senate races of the year.

On November 3, 2020, Joni Ernst won reelection to the U.S. Senate from Iowa, defeating Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield. Ernst secured 51.8% of the vote, reaffirming her reputation as a resilient conservative figure in Iowa politics. Her campaign highlighted her military service, conservative positions on taxes and regulation, and her efforts to address issues important to Iowans, including agriculture and health care. The victory ensured her continued influence as a leading Republican voice in Congress.

On January 6, 2021, during the certification of the Electoral College results, rioters attacked the United States Capitol. Senator Joni Ernst was present during the certification process and spoke out against the violence. She condemned the attack and urged for a peaceful transition of power. Ernst also emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. Her response was part of the broader political and public condemnation of the events of that day.

On June 17, 2021, Senator Joni Ernst co-sponsored the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming how the military handles sexual assault cases. The legislation sought to move the decision to prosecute these cases from military commanders to independent prosecutors. Ernst, herself a veteran and survivor of sexual assault, emphasized the need for systemic change within the military to protect service members and ensure justice for victims.