From Military Service to the Senate

Joni Ernst’s political career is rooted in a lifetime of service that began long before her election to the U.S. Senate in 2014. Born on July 1, 1970, in Montgomery County, Iowa, Ernst grew up on a farm that has been in her family for generations. This rural upbringing instilled in her a deep connection to agriculture and small-town values—principles that continue to shape her legislative priorities.

Ernst’s military career spans more than three decades, including 23 years in the Army National Guard and Iowa Army Reserve. She achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel and served in various leadership roles, including commanding the 1168th Engineer Battalion. Her military service earned her numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal for her deployment to the Middle East in 2003-2004. This background has made her a rare voice in Congress—one that understands both the demands of military life and the challenges facing rural America.

Ernst’s 2014 Senate campaign was historic. She became the first woman to represent Iowa in the Senate and the first female veteran elected to Congress in more than two decades. Her victory, which came on the heels of a wave of Tea Party-backed candidates, signaled a shift in Midwestern politics and established Ernst as a rising star in the Republican Party.

Legislative Priorities: Agriculture, Defense, and Fiscal Responsibility

As a senator representing a state where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, Ernst has made farm policy a cornerstone of her legislative agenda. Iowa is the nation’s top corn and soybean producer, and Ernst has worked tirelessly to support these industries through her roles on the Senate Agriculture Committee. She has been a vocal advocate for expanding biofuel production, securing disaster relief for farmers, and modernizing rural infrastructure.

Ernst’s background in military logistics and her deep respect for the armed forces have made national defense another key focus. She serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, where she has championed efforts to improve military readiness, support veterans, and address the needs of National Guard troops. Her work on the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act included provisions to enhance cybersecurity for the military and improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas.

Fiscal responsibility has been another hallmark of Ernst’s tenure in the Senate. She has consistently advocated for balanced budgets, reduced government waste, and policies that encourage economic growth. In 2019, she introduced the “Return to Responsibility Act,” which aimed to curb excessive federal spending by implementing a constitutional amendment to balance the budget. Ernst has also been a strong supporter of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, arguing that it has helped stimulate economic activity in Iowa and across the country.

Key Legislative Achievements

• Farm Bill Advocacy: Played a crucial role in passing the 2018 Farm Bill, which included expanded crop insurance options and disaster relief programs for Iowa farmers.
• Military Readiness: Secured funding for National Guard facilities in Iowa and supported legislation to improve mental health services for service members.
• Rural Healthcare: Championed the expansion of telehealth services in rural areas, helping Iowa farmers and residents access medical care without long commutes.
• Infrastructure Investment: Worked with colleagues to direct federal funds toward repairing Iowa’s aging roads and bridges, particularly in rural counties.

Controversies and Challenges

Ernst’s political career has not been without controversy. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2014 during her Senate campaign, when a video surfaced of her making a joke about not having “anyone to shoot” during her military training. The remark drew widespread criticism, particularly from gun control advocates, and forced Ernst to clarify her position on firearm safety. While she maintained that it was an attempt at humor, the incident highlighted the challenges of balancing her military background with her political messaging.

Ernst has also faced scrutiny over her voting record and fundraising practices. Critics have accused her of prioritizing corporate interests, particularly in agriculture and energy sectors, over the needs of her constituents. In 2021, she came under fire for voting against the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which aimed to combat anti-Asian violence. Ernst argued that the legislation was unnecessary, while opponents saw it as a critical step in addressing a surge in hate crimes during the pandemic.

Despite these challenges, Ernst has remained a resilient figure in Iowa politics. Her ability to connect with voters in rural areas, combined with her fundraising prowess, has helped her build a strong political base. In 2020, she easily won re-election, defeating Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield by a margin of 6.5 percentage points—a significant victory in a state that has trended toward Democrats in recent presidential elections.

Ernst’s Role in the Republican Party

As one of the most prominent Republican women in Congress, Ernst has played a key role in shaping the party’s messaging on issues like national security, economic policy, and rural America. She has been a frequent surrogate for the GOP, appearing on national news programs and at high-profile events to articulate the party’s positions. Her military background and Midwestern roots have made her a particularly effective advocate for conservative policies aimed at appealing to working-class voters.

Ernst has also been a strong ally of former President Donald Trump, despite some policy differences. She supported his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, and her voting record aligns closely with his priorities, particularly on trade, immigration, and deregulation. However, Ernst has also shown independence on certain issues, such as her opposition to Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. This balance of loyalty and pragmatism has helped her maintain influence within the party while avoiding some of the controversies that have plagued other Trump allies.

Ernst’s leadership within the Senate has also been notable. In 2021, she was elected vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference, making her the fourth-ranking Republican in the Senate. This position has allowed her to amplify her voice on national issues and play a key role in shaping the party’s legislative strategy. Her focus on economic growth and fiscal responsibility has resonated with Republican leaders, particularly as the party seeks to regain control of the Senate in upcoming elections.

Looking Ahead: Ernst’s Future in Politics

As Joni Ernst approaches the midpoint of her second term in the Senate, speculation about her political future is inevitable. Iowa has a competitive political landscape, and the state’s role as an early voting state in presidential primaries makes it a critical battleground. Ernst has not ruled out the possibility of running for higher office, though she has repeatedly emphasized her commitment to serving Iowa in the Senate.

One potential path for Ernst could be a run for governor in 2026. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, a fellow Republican, is term-limited, and Ernst’s deep roots in the state and experience in both military and agricultural sectors could position her as a strong candidate. Alternatively, Ernst could seek a leadership role in the Republican Party, such as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which would allow her to shape the party’s strategy for future elections.

Regardless of her future ambitions, Ernst’s impact on Iowa and national politics is undeniable. She has broken barriers as a woman in a male-dominated institution, championed policies that support rural America, and demonstrated the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. As she continues her work in the Senate, Ernst’s legacy will likely be defined by her ability to bridge divides and advocate for the issues that matter most to Iowans.