Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Joni Ernst

How Joni Ernst built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Joni Ernst is an American politician and retired military officer. She has served as the junior United States Senator from Iowa since 2015. A Republican, she previously served in the Iowa State Senate (2011-2014) and as auditor of Montgomery County (2005-2011). She held the position of Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee from 2023 to 2025 and prior to that, served as the Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference, making her a high-ranking member of the Senate Republican leadership.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1993: Served in the Iowa Army National Guard

In 1993, Joni Ernst began her service in the Iowa Army National Guard, continuing until 2015.

2003: Served in Kuwait

In 2003, Joni Ernst served in Kuwait as commander of the 1168th Transportation Company during the Iraq War.

2004: Served in Kuwait

In 2004, Joni Ernst served in Kuwait as commander of the 1168th Transportation Company during the Iraq War.

2004: Elected Montgomery County Auditor

In 2004, Joni Ernst was elected Montgomery County Auditor.

2005: Auditor of Montgomery County

In 2005, Joni Ernst became the auditor of Montgomery County, a position she held until 2011.

2008: Reelected Montgomery County Auditor

In 2008, Joni Ernst was reelected as Montgomery County Auditor.

2011: Served in the Iowa State Senate

In 2011, Joni Ernst began serving in the Iowa State Senate, a position she held until 2014.

2011: Endorsement of Medicare and Medicaid Reform

In 2011, Joni Ernst endorsed a partial privatization of Medicare and Medicaid during an Iowa Senate vote.

2012: Support for Nullifying Obamacare

In 2012, Joni Ernst answered "Yes" to a survey asking whether she would support legislation "nullify[ing] Obamacare and authoriz[ing] state and local law enforcement to arrest federal officials attempting to implement [it]."

2012: Reelected to Iowa State Senate

In 2012, Joni Ernst was reelected to the Iowa State Senate.

July 2013: Announced Candidacy for Senate Seat

In July 2013, Joni Ernst announced that she would seek the Senate seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Tom Harkin.

2013: Comments on Nullification

In 2013, Joni Ernst stated that Congress should not pass laws "that the states would consider nullifying", referring to what she called "200-plus years of federal legislators going against the Tenth Amendment's states' rights." Courts have consistently ruled that nullification is unconstitutional.

2013: Comments on Government Dependence

In 2013, Joni Ernst stated that there was a "generation of people that rely on the government to provide absolutely everything for them" and that removing them from government programs such as the Affordable Care Act "is going to be very painful".

March 2014: "Cut Pork" Campaign Advertisement

In March 2014, Joni Ernst released a campaign advertisement where she made a comparison between castrating pigs and her ability to "cut pork" in Congress, receiving widespread attention.

August 2014: Support for Additional Troops in Iraq

In August 2014, when asked about the limited airstrikes conducted in Iraq, Joni Ernst stated that she would have supported leaving additional troops in Iraq longer.

November 28, 2014: Resigned from Iowa State Senate

On November 28, 2014, Joni Ernst resigned from the Iowa State Senate after being elected to the U.S. Senate.

2014: NRA Support for Ernst

Between 2014 and 2018, the NRA spent $3,124,273 in support of Joni Ernst, primarily attacking candidates running against her.

2014: Statement on Climate Change Science

During a 2014 debate, Joni Ernst said she did not know the science behind climate change and couldn't say whether its impact was manmade or not.

2014: Campaign Stance on Nullification

During her 2014 Senate campaign, Joni Ernst's spokespeople argued that she did not support nullification, and that "her comments on it were about encouraging Iowans to send her to Washington to pass good laws."

2014: Criticism of President Obama

In 2014, Joni Ernst called President Barack Obama a "dictator" and suggested he should be "removed from office" or face "impeachment", criticizing his recess appointments and his handling of the Ebola outbreak.

2014: Criticism of the Department of Education

In 2014, Joni Ernst claimed that 94% of employees at the Department of Education had been deemed “nonessential” and argued funding would be better spent at the state and local level.

2014: Criticism of the Clean Water Act

In 2014, Joni Ernst criticized the impact of the Clean Water Act on farms and businesses and said she would have voted against the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill.

2014: Support for Tax Code Changes

In 2014, Joni Ernst expressed support for a "fairer, flatter, and simpler" federal tax code, along with a reduction in discretionary spending and a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget.

2014: Opposition to Cap-and-Trade

In 2014, Joni Ernst stated she was "adamantly opposed" to cap-and-trade, a market-based approach to reducing carbon emissions, during her Senate campaign, where she received support from the Koch brothers.

2014: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2014, Joni Ernst was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first Republican to win the seat since 1978.

2014: Comments on Second Amendment Rights and Santa Barbara Shooting

In 2014, during a debate referencing the Santa Barbara shooting, Joni Ernst stated her belief that the tragedy should not infringe upon people's Second Amendment rights.

2014: Comments on Same-Sex Marriage

In 2014, during a debate, Joni Ernst stated that she believes same-sex marriage is a state's rights issue, but that she would support a federal ban if one were proposed. In the Iowa Senate, she co-sponsored a bill to amend the state constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

2014: Served in the Iowa State Senate

Joni Ernst's service in the Iowa State Senate concluded in 2014, she had served since 2011.

January 3, 2015: Sworn into the U.S. Senate

On January 3, 2015, Joni Ernst was sworn into the United States Senate, becoming Iowa's first new U.S. senator since Tom Harkin in 1985.

October 2015: Criticism of Obama's Afghanistan Strategy

In October 2015, Joni Ernst said that President Obama lacked "a clear coherent strategy in Afghanistan" amid the rise of Taliban forces and ISIS.

2015: Became U.S. Senator for Iowa

In 2015, Joni Ernst became the junior United States Senator from Iowa.

2015: Retired from Iowa Army National Guard

In 2015, Joni Ernst retired from the Iowa Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel, having served since 1993.

2015: Retired from the Military

In 2015, Joni Ernst retired from the military after serving 23 years in the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.

2015: Call to Halt Admission of Syrian Refugees

In 2015, Joni Ernst said the U.S. should halt the admission of Syrian refugees, citing the need for a "thorough vetting process".

May 2016: Mentioned as Possible Vice Presidential Running Mate

In May 2016, Chris Cilizza included Joni Ernst on his short list of possible vice presidential running mates for Donald Trump.

2016: Introduced "Sarah's Law"

In 2016, Joni Ernst and other Republican senators introduced "Sarah's Law" in honor of Sarah Root.

2016: Endorsement of Steve King

In 2016, Joni Ernst endorsed Steve King, a Republican House Representative known for his racist rhetoric, when he faced a primary challenge, saying he "stands strong for life and liberty."

February 2017: Vote to Confirm Betsy DeVos

In February 2017, Joni Ernst voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary, expressing their shared belief that those closest to students know what is best for them.

2017: Opposition to Transgender Military Ban

In 2017, Joni Ernst announced her opposition to President Trump's ban on transgender individuals serving in the armed forces.

2017: Asked Mattis about Wasteful Spending and Sexual Assault

In 2017, Joni Ernst asked Secretary of Defense nominee James Mattis whether he would pledge to cut wasteful spending and stop sexual assault in the military, which Mattis agreed to.

2017: Criticism of Russia's Behavior

In 2017, Joni Ernst called Russia's behavior, including its annexation of Crimea and interference in U.S. elections, "totally unacceptable" and said Trump should "show strength against Vladimir Putin".

2017: Legislation to block Planned Parenthood funding

In 2017, Joni Ernst introduced legislation aimed at allowing states to block Planned Parenthood from receiving Title X grants or reimbursements for treating Medicaid patients.

2017: Response to Criticism of Steve King

In 2017, Joni Ernst said she did not condone Steve King's behavior but would not ask for his resignation after King attracted criticism for saying "we can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies" and for supporting European far-right politicians.

2017: Support for Withdrawal from Paris Agreement

In 2017, Joni Ernst supported President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate accords.

2017: Votes for Repealing ACA

In 2017, Joni Ernst voted for all three versions of a bill aimed at repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

2017: Vote for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In 2017, Joni Ernst voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

2017: Letter Requesting Review of Bump Stock Regulations

In 2017, amid bipartisan support for bump stock restrictions, Joni Ernst was one of 10 Republican senators who signed a letter requesting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to review a decision concerning bump stocks falling outside existing gun regulations.

January 2018: Letter Requesting Preservation of NAFTA

In January 2018, Joni Ernst was one of 36 Republican senators to sign a letter to Trump requesting he preserve and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement.

March 2018: Vote on Yemen Resolution

In March 2018, Joni Ernst voted to table a resolution spearheaded by Bernie Sanders, Chris Murphy, and Mike Lee that would have required President Trump to withdraw American troops either in or influencing Yemen within the next 30 days unless they were combating Al-Qaeda.

May 2018: Introduction of Rescission Package

In May 2018, Joni Ernst was one of nine Republican senators who introduced a rescission package intended to curb previously approved spending by $15.4 billion.

June 2018: Questioning Suspension of Military Exercises with South Korea

In June 2018, Joni Ernst questioned President Trump's decision to suspend joint military exercises with South Korea.

June 2018: Letter on Military Lawyers Prosecuting Immigration Cases

In June 2018, Joni Ernst, along with Democratic senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Patrick Leahy, wrote to Defense Secretary James Mattis expressing their concern about the decision to send 21 Judge Advocate General's Corps to prosecute immigration cases on the southern border, calling it an "inappropriate misapplication of military personnel".

July 2018: Resolution Endorsing ICE

In July 2018, Joni Ernst was one of 31 Republican senators who submitted a resolution endorsing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that its abolition would allow "dangerous criminal aliens" and members of the MS-13 gang to remain in the U.S.

August 2018: Warning on Trade Deal Failures

In August 2018, Joni Ernst warned that failure to finish trade deals would "reflect negatively upon our Republican candidates" and advocated completing NAFTA and continuing to work with the European Union.

August 27, 2018: Announcement of Divorce

On August 27, 2018, Joni Ernst announced that she and her husband Gail Ernst were in the process of obtaining a divorce. She stated she declined Trump's offer to be his vice-presidential running mate because "it wasn't the right thing for me or my family."

November 2018: Elected Vice Chair of Senate Republican Conference

In November 2018, Joni Ernst was elected vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference.

November 2018: Statement on Jamal Khashoggi Murder

In November 2018, following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Joni Ernst stated that Saudi Arabia was a "great strategic partner" but that Congress should consider a legislative response.

2018: NRA Support for Ernst

Between 2014 and 2018, the NRA spent $3,124,273 in support of Joni Ernst, primarily attacking candidates running against her.

2018: Comments on Border Wall

During the 2018–19 United States federal government shutdown, which resulted from Trump's demand for $5.7 billion for a border wall, Joni Ernst stated she would "tend to agree that not all areas of our border need a physical barrier" if they are monitored by technology or Border Patrol agents.

2018: Appearance with Steve King at Rally

In 2018, Joni Ernst appeared with Steve King at a rally in his district after King had endorsed a Canadian politician with neo-Nazi ties.

2018: Criticism of Scott Pruitt

In 2018, Joni Ernst stated that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt had lied to her about upholding the Renewable Fuel Standard and called Pruitt "about as swampy as you get".

2018: Urging Caution with Russia

In 2018, Joni Ernst urged caution if the U.S. worked with Russia to "put a lid on Iran" and expressed hope that Trump had "delivered a strong message" to Russia at the 2018 Russia-United States summit.

2018: Vote Against Reinstating Net Neutrality

In 2018, Joni Ernst voted against reinstating net neutrality after an FCC ruling. Ernst opposes net neutrality, which prevents internet service providers from blocking or slowing down certain content.

2018: Cosponsoring Bill on Preexisting Conditions Coverage

In 2018, Joni Ernst was one of 10 Republican senators to cosponsor a bill intended to guarantee coverage for people with preexisting conditions, although it would have allowed insurers to exclude coverage for the conditions themselves.

2018: Concerns Over Troop Withdrawal from Syria

In 2018, after missile strikes against Syria, Joni Ernst expressed discomfort if Trump committed more American troops there, and she later signed a letter expressing concern over the withdrawal of troops from Syria, calling it a "premature and costly mistake".

2018: Concerns About Tariffs

In 2018, as Trump imposed tariffs and other countries responded in kind, Joni Ernst stated she was willing to give him some leeway but worried about the impact on farmers.

2018: Remarks on Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

In 2018, following the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Joni Ernst identified mental illness as the "root cause" of mass shootings. She later cosponsored a bill to mandate federal authorities to promptly inform states if a person fails a background check while attempting to purchase a firearm.

2018: Response to Fourth National Climate Assessment

In 2018, following the release of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, Joni Ernst stated that "our climate always changes and we see those ebb and flows through time".

February 2019: Vote to Confirm Andrew Wheeler

In February 2019, Joni Ernst voted to confirm Trump's new nominee for EPA administrator, Andrew Wheeler.

March 2019: Called for Release of Mueller Report

In March 2019, Joni Ernst called for the release of the full findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report after Attorney General William Barr released an abridged summary.

May 2019: Comments on Trade War with China

In May 2019, amid a trade war between the United States and China, Joni Ernst said she did not like tariffs but that the "president's way of negotiating ... brings people to the table." She added that Iowa farmers are "disappointed" but recognize "that China is the one that is forcing this."

June 2019: Call to Limit RFS Waivers

In June 2019, Joni Ernst said she had asked President Trump and EPA Administrator Wheeler to limit the issuing of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers, stating they were being handed out "like candy" without congressional oversight.

2019: Accusation of Pelosi Slow-Walking USMCA

In 2019, Joni Ernst accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of "slow-walking" the passage of the USMCA trade agreement but believed there was enough support to ratify it.

2019: Appointed to Senate Judiciary Committee

In 2019, Joni Ernst became the first female Republican to be appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

2019: Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference

In 2019, Joni Ernst became the vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference.

2019: Support for Concealed Carry Legislation

In 2019, Joni Ernst was one of 31 Republican cosponsors of a bill to grant those with concealed carry privileges in their home state the right to carry concealed weapons in other states with concealed carry laws.

2019: Call to Protect Kurdish Partners in Syria

In 2019, Joni Ernst was one of six senators to sign a bipartisan letter to President Trump calling on him to "urge Turkey to end their offensive and find a way to a peaceful resolution while supporting our Kurdish partners to ensure regional stability" in Syria.

2019: Rebuke of Steve King

In 2019, amid extensive criticism of Steve King after he made controversial remarks about white supremacy, Joni Ernst rebuked him. The New York Times noted that her belated distancing from King might harm her 2020 reelection effort.

January 2020: Support for Assassination of Qasem Soleimani

In January 2020, Joni Ernst expressed support for the US military's assassination of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani by drone strike at Baghdad International Airport.

February 2020: Acquittal Vote for Trump Impeachment

In February 2020, Joni Ernst voted to acquit President Trump on both articles of impeachment, asserting he had learned his lesson while also suggesting Joe Biden could face impeachment if he became president.

May 2020: Praise for Trump's COVID-19 Response

In May 2020, Joni Ernst praised President Trump's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 2020: Publication of Memoir

In May 2020, Joni Ernst published her memoir, Daughter of the Heartland: My Ode to the Country That Raised Me.

Daughter of the Heartland: My Ode to the Country That Raised Me

Check it on Amazon

May 2020: Vote on FISA Amendment

In May 2020, Joni Ernst voted for an amendment co-sponsored by Senators Steve Daines and Ron Wyden that would have required federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies to obtain federal court warrants when collecting web search engine data from American citizens under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

September 2020: Low Score from League of Conservation Voters

As of September 2020, Joni Ernst had a 1% lifetime score from the environmentalist League of Conservation Voters.

2020: Non-Endorsement in King's Primary Race

In 2020, Joni Ernst did not make an endorsement in Steve King's Republican primary race, which he lost.

2020: Reelection to the Senate

In 2020, Joni Ernst ran for reelection and defeated Democratic nominee Theresa Greenfield by 110,138 votes.

May 28, 2021: Vote Against Capitol Attack Commission

On May 28, 2021, Joni Ernst voted against the creation of an independent commission to investigate the January 6, 2021, United States Capitol attack.

August 2021: Criticism of U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Afghanistan

In August 2021, Joni Ernst called the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan "rapid and haphazard" and "shameful", criticizing the Biden administration for removing troops before guaranteeing the safety of the U.S. embassy.

August 2022: Vote Against Insulin Price Cap

In August 2022, Joni Ernst voted against capping the price of insulin at $35, despite having two diabetic family members.

November 29, 2022: Vote for Respect for Marriage Act

On November 29, 2022, Joni Ernst was one of 12 Republican senators to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the Senate.

2022: Support of the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade

In 2022, Joni Ernst voiced her support for the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, and characterized it as a science-based decision.

October 2023: Congressional Delegation to Israel

In October 2023, days after the beginning of the Gaza war, Joni Ernst led a congressional delegation to meetings with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, other Israeli leaders, and American civilians in Israel to reassure them of U.S. support.

2023: Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee

In 2023, Joni Ernst became the Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee.

February 2024: Vote for Foreign Aid Bill

In February 2024, Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley voted for a $95 billion foreign aid bill that included $60 billion to support Ukraine, stating that it was "critical to reversing President Biden's weakness on the world stage".

March 2024: Announced Run for Senate Republican Conference Chair

In March 2024, Joni Ernst announced that she would run for Senate Republican Conference chair in 2025.

July 2024: Call for Action Against Hamas

In July 2024, prior to Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress, Joni Ernst led a Republican press conference calling for U.S. sanctions and weapons to help Israel defeat Hamas, and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for not attending the speech.

February 2025: Support for DOGE Actions

In February 2025, Joni Ernst voiced her support for the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gaining access to sensitive government systems, citing the need for scrutiny of records and expenditures.

May 30, 2025: "We Are All Going to Die" Controversy

On May 30, 2025, at a town hall meeting, Joni Ernst responded to concerns about Medicaid and SNAP cuts by saying, "Well, we are all going to die. For heaven's sakes, folks". Subsequent backlash led to a sarcastic apology video on Instagram where she walked around a graveyard and insinuated her constituents were uneducated about death. She also encouraged people to embrace Jesus Christ for eternal life. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer mockingly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act the "We're All Going to Die Act".

2025: Introduction of the Food Security and Farm Protection Act

In 2025, Joni Ernst introduced the Food Security and Farm Protection Act to prohibit state and local governments from imposing production standards on agricultural goods sold in interstate commerce. This bill was a response to California's Proposition 12 and is expected to be a significant issue in the 2025 farm bill negotiations.