Joni Ernst, born on July first, nineteen seventy, is a prominent American politician and retired military officer who has been serving as the junior United States senator from Iowa since two thousand fifteen. A member of the Republican Party, Ernst has made significant contributions to both her state and the nation during her political career.
After earning her degree from Iowa State University, Ernst joined the United States Army Reserve and later served in the Iowa Army National Guard from nineteen ninety-three until her retirement in two thousand fifteen, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. Her military service included commanding the 1168th Transportation Company in Kuwait during the Iraq War and leading the 185th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Camp Dodge.
Before her tenure in the U.S. Senate, Ernst held various political positions, including serving in the Iowa State Senate from two thousand eleven to two thousand fourteen and as auditor of Montgomery County from January two thousand five to January fifth, two thousand eleven. She was elected to the U.S. Senate in two thousand fourteen and successfully reelected in two thousand twenty, where she has been an influential voice on issues such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security reforms.
As chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee from two thousand twenty-three to two thousand twenty-five, Ernst held the position of the fourth-ranking Republican in the Senate. Throughout her career, she has been vocal about her concerns regarding the Trump administration's trade policies and foreign relations, while also supporting his nominees for the Environmental Protection Agency.
On September second, two thousand twenty-five, Ernst announced her decision not to seek reelection in two thousand twenty-six, marking a significant moment in her political journey.