Iowa Senator Joni Ernst Won’t Run Again — Farm Groups React

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst announced in a video statement on Tuesday that she will not seek re-election. Mainstream news outlets reported the news early last week after tips from a GOP source. Her current term is set to end January 2027.

Ernst was elected Senator in 2014, beginning her term in early January 2015 as the first woman from Iowa to hold the role.

As part of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Ernst is the Chair of the subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. This committee oversees rural development loan and grant programs, renewable energy, and farm loan programs.

Over the last decade in Washington, Ernst has touted strong relationships with many agricultural groups. Here’s a closer look at how they responded to the Senator’s news.

Senators

Sen. Chuck Grassley

Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley has been in the Senate since 1981. Along with Ernst, he is a member of the Senate Ag Committee.

“I love serving the ppl of Iowa w Joni Ernst

She made history as the senate’s first female combat veteran +Iowa’s first woman elected to Congress #realhistorychannel

I’m honored to call her a friend,” Grassley posted to social media following the announcement.

State Officials

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has led Iowa’s Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship since 2018.

“Sen. Ernst has been a tireless advocate for Iowa, and a strong voice for our farmers, rural communities, and all who call this state home. From expanding markets for biofuels to championing rural small businesses and fighting burdensome federal regulations, she has never stopped working to make sure Iowa’s values and priorities are heard in Washington,” the secretary said in a press statement.

Naig added, “While I’m sad to see her step away, I’m grateful for her service, her leadership, and her friendship, and I wish her the very best in her next chapter.”

Iowa Farm and Commodity Groups

Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) represents farmers in all 99 counties of Iowa and is part of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The organization published a statement Tuesday afternoon that said, “The Iowa Farm Bureau would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Senator Joni Ernst for her years of devoted service to the United States and to Iowa farmers. Her unwavering commitment to agriculture and rural communities has touched lives across our country and state. Through her leadership, dedication, and support, she has made a positive and lasting impact on our nation’s farmers and the future of agriculture. While Senator Ernst has decided not to seek re-election in 2026, our work together is not done. We look forward to partnering with her through the conclusion of her term to advance policy that supports Iowa agriculture and farm families.”

Iowa Corn Growers Association

Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is a 7,500-member strong grassroots-driven organization, headquartered in Johnston, Iowa, serving members across the state, and lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its farmer members to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability.

In a statement ICGA President Mark Mueller said, “On behalf of Iowa Corn and corn farmers from across the state, I would like to thank Senator Ernst for her dedication and commitment to supporting Iowa’s corn industry. She has given Iowa corn farmers a voice, advocating for issues impacting agriculture at the national level. She has been a champion for biofuels, specifically by expanding access to ethanol with the Next Generations Fuels Act, as well as her support for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit.”

Looking ahead, Mueller continued, “We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Ernst throughout the rest of her term, with hopes of securing more wins for Iowa agriculture like passage of year-round, nationwide E15 and generating increased corn demand through trade deals. ICGA wishes her the best of luck in her next chapter. We are extremely appreciative of the time and dedication she has shown Iowa’s corn growers throughout her time as a U.S. Senator.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa has 42 ethanol refineries capable of producing 4.7 billion gallons annually and 10 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 416 million gallons annually.

“From the Iowa Senate to U.S. Senate, Sen. Ernst has been a relentless champion for renewable fuels and farmers,” said IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Her dedication to expanding access to renewable fuels and defending Iowa’s agricultural economy has made a real difference. Sen. Ernst was literally the tip of the spear in defending the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) from refinery exemptions and in pushing for year-round E15. However, it’s important to remember she’s not done yet. Congress must pass year-round E15 this year to provide farmers a lifeline during these difficult times. Plus, her recent bill to update fuel retailer compatibility standards could take years off of the transition to E15. On behalf of all IRFA members, I sincerely thank Senator Ernst for her service and wish her the best in her next chapter.”

Iowa Biodiesel Board

The Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) represents the biodiesel industry in Iowa, from the farmers who grow the feedstock, to production, through distribution to end users. Founded by the Iowa Soybean Association, IBB operates an independent organization and board.

“We congratulate Senator Joni Ernst on her service in the Senate and express heartfelt appreciation for her unwavering support of biodiesel producers, soybean farmers and rural communities. She has a deep understanding that homegrown clean fuels like biodiesel are vital to Iowa’s economy and American energy security, and her leadership has ensured that the voice of our industry was heard loud and clear in Washington,” said executive director Grant Kimberley in a press statement.

He continued, “From fighting to uphold and grow the Renewable Fuel Standard to leading efforts on the critical federal biodiesel tax incentive, Senator Ernst consistently stood with rural Iowa. Her advocacy made a real difference for farmers, producers and consumers alike. She has helped safeguard markets for Iowa soybeans, defend rural jobs, and champion cleaner air through greater use of renewable fuels. Those impacts will be felt long after her time in the Senate.”

Looking ahead, Kimberley said, “While her departure closes a significant chapter, it also sets the stage for new leadership and renewed opportunity. We are grateful for the foundation she helped build and we look forward to continuing our work with another key champion, Senator Chuck Grassley, as well as with Iowa’s next generation of senators to advance biodiesel as a solution.”

Iowa Pork Producers Association

The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) is focused on educating and providing a leading voice for a sustainable, socially responsible, and globally competitive pork industry.

Following the Iowa senator’s announcement, IPPA CEO Pat McGonegle said, “We thank Senator Joni Ernst for her dedicated service to Iowa and her steadfast support of the pork industry. Consistently advocating for agriculture, she has always been a strong voice for Iowa’s pig farmers. We wish her the very best in her retirement and next chapter.”