Who Is Running for Senate in Iowa in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Joni Ernst
(Incumbent)Economy
LowJoni Ernst has supported measures aimed at tax reduction and fiscal responsibility. She voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017 and has advocated for a "fairer, flatter, and simpler" federal tax code, proposing the elimination of the Internal Revenue Service. Ernst also supports reducing discretionary spending and social programs, advocating for a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget and the partial privatization of Social Security for younger workers while protecting current seniors' benefits.
Immigration
MediumSenator Joni Ernst has advocated for comprehensive immigration reform, stating that 'one-off responses' are insufficient and that tragedies should prompt meaningful changes focusing on both border security and humane processing. She co-sponsored and successfully passed the 'Sarah’s Law' amendment, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to detain non-citizens charged with or convicted of crimes resulting in death or serious injury. Ernst has also called for the administration to enforce existing immigration laws.
Healthcare
HighSenator Joni Ernst voted against the Affordable Care Act extension in 2025, citing its high cost and lack of transparency from insurance companies. She supported the Republican Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, stating it would lower healthcare costs, prevent fraud, and increase market competition. Ernst advocates for strengthening Medicaid by directing benefits to vulnerable populations, proposing that able-bodied recipients engage in work or training activities to maintain eligibility.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Joni Ernst |
|---|---|
| Economy | Joni Ernst has supported measures aimed at tax reduction and fiscal responsibility. She voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017 and has advocated for a "fairer, flatter, and simpler" federal tax code, proposing the elimination of the Internal Revenue Service. Ernst also supports reducing discretionary spending and social programs, advocating for a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget and the partial privatization of Social Security for younger workers while protecting current seniors' benefits. Low |
| Immigration | Senator Joni Ernst has advocated for comprehensive immigration reform, stating that 'one-off responses' are insufficient and that tragedies should prompt meaningful changes focusing on both border security and humane processing. She co-sponsored and successfully passed the 'Sarah’s Law' amendment, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to detain non-citizens charged with or convicted of crimes resulting in death or serious injury. Ernst has also called for the administration to enforce existing immigration laws. Medium |
| Healthcare | Senator Joni Ernst voted against the Affordable Care Act extension in 2025, citing its high cost and lack of transparency from insurance companies. She supported the Republican Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, stating it would lower healthcare costs, prevent fraud, and increase market competition. Ernst advocates for strengthening Medicaid by directing benefits to vulnerable populations, proposing that able-bodied recipients engage in work or training activities to maintain eligibility. High |
| Climate & Energy | Joni Ernst supports an all-of-the-above energy approach that prioritizes domestic production and energy independence, aiming to balance environmental protection with economic impact. She supported the Wind Workforce Modernization and Training Act and the Growing Climate Solutions Act to aid farmers in carbon credit markets. She also co-sponsored an amendment to remove a new tax on solar and wind projects. Additionally, she has supported rollbacks of certain environmental regulations. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Joni Ernst is a pro-life advocate who voted for legislation to protect unborn children at 20 weeks after fertilization and require care for abortion survivors. She supports the Life at Conception Act and introduced the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act. Senator Ernst also introduced the Protect Funding for Women's Health Care Act to redirect federal funding from Planned Parenthood. She emphasizes the inherent value of every human life, earning an "A+" on the Susan B. Anthony List National Pro-Life Scorecard. High |
| Foreign Policy | Joni Ernst voted against an amendment that would have placed a reservation on Finnish and Swedish accession to NATO, aligning with Foreign Policy for America's positive scoring for opposing the measure. She also supported the CHIPS and Science Act, which invests in supply chains and strengthens U.S. capacity in strategic sectors like semiconductors and STEM innovation. Additionally, Senator Ernst voted to confirm Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense after discussing his qualifications. High |
| Education | Joni Ernst believes education should be managed at the state and local level rather than by federal entities. She supports the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to end federally prescribed academic standards, including Common Core, giving states more flexibility. Ernst also backed bipartisan bills to provide students and families with better information on college costs and introduced the JOBS Act, which would allow Pell Grants for short-term job training programs. High |
| Gun Policy | Senator Joni Ernst voted for the bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, stating it helps keep children and schools safe and provides mental health access without restricting law-abiding gun owners. She introduced the FIREARM Act to prevent the ATF from being used for gun control. Ernst consistently supports gun owners' rights, asserting that taxpayers should not fund groups working against the Second Amendment. She earned an A+ on the 2024 NSSF Congressional Report Card. High |
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