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 currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Iowa since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Ernst is also a retired military officer. Her political career is defined by her senatorial role representing Iowa in the US Senate.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1985: Tom Harkin Became Senator

In 1985, Tom Harkin became a U.S. Senator for Iowa; Joni Ernst was the first new U.S. senator from Iowa since Harkin.

1993: Joined Iowa Army National Guard

In 1993, Joni Ernst joined the Iowa Army National Guard, marking a significant step in her military career.

2003: Deployed to Kuwait

In 2003, Joni Ernst was deployed to Kuwait as commander of the 1168th Transportation Company during the Iraq War, serving for 12 months.

2004: Commanded 1168th Transportation Company in Kuwait

In 2004, Joni Ernst commanded the 1168th Transportation Company in Kuwait during the Iraq War, serving a 12-month tour.

2004: Elected Montgomery County Auditor

In 2004, Joni Ernst was elected as the Montgomery County Auditor, defeating the incumbent.

January 2005: Served as Auditor of Montgomery County

In January 2005, Joni Ernst began her tenure as the auditor of Montgomery County, a position she held until January 5, 2011.

2008: Reelected Montgomery County Auditor

In 2008, Joni Ernst ran unopposed and was reelected as the Montgomery County Auditor with 4,569 votes.

January 5, 2011: Served in Iowa State Senate

Joni Ernst served in the Iowa State Senate from January 5, 2011, until 2014.

2011: Endorsed partial privatization of Medicare and Medicaid

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

2011: Elected to Iowa State Senate

In 2011, Joni Ernst was elected to the Iowa State Senate in a special election.

2012: Supported legislation to nullify ObamaCare

In 2012, Joni Ernst answered "Yes" to a survey question asking whether she would support legislation that would "nullify ObamaCare and authorize 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, continuing her representation of District 12.

2012: Supported "nullification" of EPA rules and Obamacare

In 2012, as a state senator, Joni Ernst co-sponsored a resolution urging the "nullification" of EPA rules on emissions standards and 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]."

July 2013: Announced Senate Candidacy

In July 2013, Joni Ernst announced her candidacy for the Senate seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Tom Harkin.

October 2013: Kim Reynolds Endorsed Ernst

In October 2013, Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds endorsed Joni Ernst's campaign for the Senate.

2013: Comments on state nullification of federal laws

In 2013, Joni Ernst said Congress should not pass laws "that the states would consider nullifying", referring to "200-plus years of federal legislators going against the Tenth Amendment's states' rights."

2013: Comments on reliance on government programs

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".

February 2014: Lagging in polls before ad

In February 2014, before the release of her campaign ad, Joni Ernst was in second place in two polls of the Republican primary, trailing behind Mark Jacobs.

March 2014: Campaign ad about castrating pigs

In March 2014, Joni Ernst gained widespread attention for a campaign advertisement where she compared her experience castrating pigs to her ability to "cut pork" in Congress.

March 2014: Received Endorsements from Romney and Palin

In March 2014, Joni Ernst received endorsements from former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for her Senate campaign.

May 2014: Ernst Offended by Jacobs' Comments

In May 2014, Joni Ernst expressed being "extremely offended" by comments made by Jacobs characterizing her as AWOL due to missing over 100 votes in the legislative session.

May 2014: Endorsed by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

In May 2014, Joni Ernst's campaign for U.S. Senate received an endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

October 2014: Response on campaign finance laws

In an October 2014 debate, Joni Ernst stated that she believes in political free speech and did not see a need to change campaign finance laws.

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, mostly attacking candidates running against her.

2014: Remarks on same-sex marriage

During a 2014 debate, Joni Ernst stated that she believes same-sex marriage is a state's rights issue, but 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: Remarks on Second Amendment rights after Santa Barbara shooting

During a 2014 debate, Joni Ernst stated that she didn't believe that people's Second Amendment rights should be infringed upon due to the Santa Barbara shooting.

2014: Spokespeople argued Ernst did not support 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: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 2014, Joni Ernst was elected to the U.S. Senate, marking a significant milestone in her political career.

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.

2015: Became U.S. Senator from Iowa

In 2015, Joni Ernst became the junior United States Senator from Iowa, marking the start of her service in the role.

2015: Retired from Iowa Army National Guard

In 2015, Joni Ernst retired from the Iowa Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel, concluding her service in the military.

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.

May 2016: Listed as possible VP running mate for Trump

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

2016: "Sarah's Law" Introduced

In 2016, Joni Ernst and other Republican senators introduced "Sarah's Law" in honor of Sarah Root, who was killed in a street racing crash.

2016: Opposed Obama's Supreme Court Nominee

In 2016, Joni Ernst opposed Senate consideration of Barack Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, citing the need for the American people to have a say in an election year.

February 2017: Voted to Confirm Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary

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

2017: Opposition to transgender ban and government funding of gender-reassignment surgeries

In 2017, Joni Ernst announced her opposition to Trump's ban on transgender people serving in the armed forces. At the same time, she announced her opposition to government funding of gender-reassignment surgeries.

2017: Ernst's questions to James Mattis

In 2017, Joni Ernst questioned Secretary of Defense nominee James Mattis about wasteful spending and sexual assault in the military, securing his commitment to address these issues.

2017: Voted for bill to repeal the ACA

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

2017: Signed letter requesting review of bump stock regulations

In 2017, Joni Ernst was among 10 Republican senators who signed a letter requesting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to review a decision that bump stocks fell outside existing gun regulations, amidst bipartisan momentum for bump stock restrictions.

January 2018: Signed letter to Trump on 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.

May 2018: Introduced Rescission Package

In May 2018, Joni Ernst was one of nine Republican senators to introduce a rescission package meant to fulfill Trump's wish to curb previously approved spending by $15.4 billion.

June 2018: Questioned Trump's decision to suspend joint 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 to Defense Secretary Mattis on military lawyers prosecuting immigration cases

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

July 2018: Endorsed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

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

August 2018: Warned about the impact of failure to finish trade deals

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.

November 2018: Elected vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference

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

November 2018: Commented on Jamal Khashoggi's Murder

In November 2018, following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Joni Ernst said that Saudi Arabia was a "great strategic partner" but that Congress should consider a legislative response due to the United States' commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

2018: NRA support for Ernst

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

2018: Comments on border security during government shutdown

During the 2018-19 United States federal government shutdown, which occurred after Trump demanded $5.7 billion for a border wall, Joni Ernst stated that she would "tend to agree that not all areas of our border need a physical barrier" if monitored by technology or Border Patrol agents.

2018: Reiterated stance on Supreme Court nominees

In 2018, Joni Ernst reiterated her stance that Supreme Court nominees should not be heard during presidential election years.

2018: Expressed concerns about impact of tariffs on farmers

In 2018, Joni Ernst stated that she was willing to give Trump some leeway on tariffs imposed as part of his trade policy, but worried about the impact on farmers.

2018: Voted against reinstating net neutrality

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

2018: Cosponsored bill on preexisting conditions

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

2018: Response to Stoneman Douglas High School shooting

In 2018, after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Joni Ernst identified mental illness as the "root cause" of many mass shootings and later cosponsored a bill to require federal authorities to inform states within a day if a person failing a background check attempted to buy a firearm.

February 2019: Voted to Confirm Andrew Wheeler as EPA Administrator

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

March 2019: Called for the release of Mueller report findings

In March 2019, after the conclusion of the Special Counsel Investigation, Joni Ernst called for the release of the full findings of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report.

May 2019: Comments on trade war between United States and China

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

June 2019: Asked Trump and Wheeler to limit the issuing of RFS waivers

In June 2019, Joni Ernst said she had asked Trump and Wheeler to limit the issuing of RFS waivers, saying they were being handed out "like candy" without congressional oversight.

2019: Accused Nancy Pelosi of "slow-walking" the USMCA trade agreement

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: Cosponsored bill on concealed carry

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: Politico on Ernst's voting record

In 2019, Politico described Joni Ernst as "a reliable vote for most of Trump's agenda".

2019: Appointment to the Senate Judiciary Committee

In 2019, during the 116th United States Congress initiation, Joni Ernst became the first female Republican appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee, alongside Marsha Blackburn.

January 2020: Expressed support for the US military's 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.

January 2020: Petition to Reconsider Roe v. Wade

In January 2020, Joni Ernst petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that found abortion bans are unconstitutional.

February 2020: Vote to Acquit Trump

In February 2020, Joni Ernst voted to acquit President Trump on both articles of impeachment (abuse of power and obstruction of Congress), suggesting Joe Biden could face impeachment if he became president.

May 2020: Praised Trump's Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

In May 2020, Joni Ernst praised President Trump's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, asserting that "he was right on it from day one".

May 2020: Published memoir, Daughter of the Heartland: My Ode to the Country That Raised Me

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: Voted for amendment on web search engine data collection

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, nationals, or residents under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

September 2020: Supported Trump's Supreme Court Nominee

In September 2020, Joni Ernst voiced her support for President Trump nominating a new Supreme Court Justice following Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death.

October 2020: Voted in line with Trump

As of October 2020, Joni Ernst had voted in line with Donald Trump's positions 91.1% of the time.

2020: Did not endorse Steve King in primary race

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

2020: Re-election to the Senate

In 2020, Joni Ernst ran for reelection and defeated Democratic nominee Theresa Greenfield by 110,138 votes, securing another term in the U.S. Senate.

May 28, 2021: Vote Against Capitol Attack Commission

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

2021: Participated in Electoral College vote count

In 2021, Joni Ernst participated in the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count. She condemned the storming of the U.S. Capitol, voted to support certification, and opposed impeaching Trump.

August 2022: Voted against capping the price of insulin

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

November 29, 2022: Voted for the 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: Projected increase in medical costs under Ernst's Medicare plan

A CBO report found that Ernst's plan to partially privatize Medicare and Medicaid would increase medical costs for Medicare beneficiaries 61% by 2022, compared with 27% under the existing structure.

2023: Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee

In 2023, Joni Ernst became the chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, holding the fourth-ranking position among Republicans in the Senate until 2025.

February 2024: Voted for $95 billion foreign aid bill

In February 2024, Joni Ernst broke with most Senate Republicans to vote for a $95 billion foreign aid bill that included $60 billion to support Ukraine.

March 2024: Announced run for Senate Republican Conference chair

In March 2024, Joni Ernst announced her candidacy for Senate Republican Conference chair in 2025.

July 2024: Called for U.S. Sanctions and Weapons to Help Israel Defeat Hamas

In July 2024, 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 Netanyahu's speech to Congress.

January 2025: Trump took office as president for the second time

After Trump took office as president for the second time in January 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sought access to the sensitive systems of several U.S. government bodies, prompting multiple legal challenges.

February 2025: Expressed Support for DOGE's Actions

In February 2025, Joni Ernst expressed her support for the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) actions, which sought access to the sensitive systems of several U.S. government bodies, prompting legal challenges.

May 30, 2025: "We are all going to die" comment at town hall meeting

On May 30, 2025, at a town hall meeting, Joni Ernst responded to a constituent's concern about Medicaid and SNAP cuts by saying, "Well, we are all going to die. For heaven's sakes, folks". She later apologized in an Instagram video, explaining she assumed everyone understood mortality and encouraged embracing Jesus Christ. The incident was mocked by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.