Joni Kay Ernst is a prominent Republican politician and former military officer serving as the junior United States Senator from Iowa since 2015. Prior to her Senate role, she served in the Iowa State Senate (2011-2014) and as Montgomery County auditor (2004-2011). Within the Senate Republican leadership, Ernst has held the position of vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference (2019-2023) and ascended to the role of Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee in 2023, making her the fourth-highest ranking Republican senator. Her career has combined military service with a steady rise through state and national political ranks.
July 1, 1970: Birth of Joni Kay Culver
Joni Kay Culver was born on July 1, 1970, in Montgomery County, Iowa.
1992: Joni Culver Marries Gail Ernst
Joni Culver married Gail Ernst in 1992.
1992: Ernst Earns Bachelor's Degree
Joni Ernst earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Iowa State University in 1992.
1993: Ernst joins the Iowa Army National Guard
Joni Ernst joined the Iowa Army National Guard in 1993.
1995: Ernst Earns Master's Degree
Joni Ernst earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbus State University in 1995.
2003: Ernst serves in Kuwait
During 2003-2004, Joni Ernst served in Kuwait as commander of the 1168th Transportation Company.
2004: Ernst serves as Auditor of Montgomery County
Joni Ernst served as auditor of Montgomery County from 2004 to 2011.
2004: Ernst elected as Montgomery County Auditor
Joni Ernst was elected as Montgomery County Auditor in 2004.
2004: Ernst's service in Kuwait ends
Joni Ernst's service as commander of the 1168th Transportation Company in Kuwait ended in 2004.
2008: Ernst reelected as Montgomery County Auditor
Joni Ernst was reelected as Montgomery County Auditor in 2008.
2011: Ernst serves in the Iowa State Senate
Joni Ernst served in the Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014.
2011: Ernst elected to the Iowa State Senate
Joni Ernst was elected to the Iowa State Senate in a special election in 2011.
2012: Ernst reelected to the Iowa State Senate
Joni Ernst was reelected to the Iowa State Senate in 2012.
2012: Support for Nullification of Federal Laws
In 2012, Joni Ernst expressed support for nullifying federal laws, including the Affordable Care Act, and authorizing state and local law enforcement to arrest federal officials implementing these laws.
2012: Stance on the Affordable Care Act
In 2012, Joni Ernst indicated support for legislation to nullify the Affordable Care Act.
July 2013: Ernst announces candidacy for US Senate
In July 2013, Joni Ernst announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Tom Harkin.
October 2013: Ernst endorsed by Kim Reynolds
In October 2013, Kim Reynolds endorsed Joni Ernst's Senate campaign.
2013: Views on Government Assistance
In 2013, Ernst expressed concerns about reliance on government programs.
2013: Views on Nullification and States' Rights
In 2013, Ernst stated that Congress should not pass laws that states might consider nullifying, citing the Tenth Amendment.
2013: Vote for Fetal Personhood Amendment
In 2013, Ernst voted for a fetal personhood amendment in the Iowa Senate.
February 2014: Ernst trails in early polls
Before the release of her "Castrating Pigs" ad, polls in February 2014 showed Joni Ernst trailing behind Mark Jacobs.
March 2014: Ernst's "Castrating Pigs" ad gains attention
Joni Ernst released a campaign ad in March 2014 that garnered widespread attention and humor, boosting her campaign.
March 2014: Ernst endorsed by Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin
Joni Ernst received endorsements from Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin in March 2014.
May 2014: Ernst endorsed by US Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed Joni Ernst in May 2014.
May 2014: Ernst criticized for missed votes
Joni Ernst faced criticism in May 2014 for missing a significant number of votes in the legislative session, with questions raised about her explanations.
August 2014: Support for Extended Troop Presence in Iraq
In August 2014, Ernst stated she would have supported a longer troop presence in Iraq, suggesting it could have prevented the current situation.
October 2014: Ernst discusses campaign finance laws
In October 2014, Joni Ernst addressed campaign finance laws and her stance on political free speech.
November 28, 2014: Ernst resigns from the Iowa State Senate
Joni Ernst resigned from the Iowa State Senate on November 28, 2014, following her election to the U.S. Senate.
2014: Ernst wins Senate race
Joni Ernst won the 2014 Senate race, becoming the first woman to represent Iowa in either house of Congress.
2014: Ernst's term in the Iowa State Senate Ends
Joni Ernst's term in the Iowa State Senate concluded in 2014.
2014: Call for Elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency
In 2014, Ernst advocated for the elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency and criticized the Clean Water Act's effects on farms and businesses. She also stated she would have voted against the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill.
2014: Ernst Elected to the US Senate
Joni Ernst was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014.
2014: Stance on Gun Control After Santa Barbara Shooting
Following the 2014 Santa Barbara shooting, Joni Ernst stated her opposition to infringing upon Second Amendment rights.
2014: Opposition to Cap-and-Trade and Support from the Koch Brothers
In her 2014 Senate campaign, Ernst received support from the Koch brothers and affiliated groups, expressing her strong opposition to cap-and-trade policies for carbon emissions reduction.
2014: Statement on Climate Change Science
During a 2014 debate, Ernst expressed uncertainty about the science behind climate change, stating she couldn't confirm its man-made origins.
2014: Clarification on Nullification Stance
During her 2014 Senate campaign, Ernst's spokespeople clarified that she did not support nullification and that her previous comments were meant to encourage Iowans to elect her to pass good laws.
2014: NRA Spending in Support of Ernst
Between 2014 and 2018, the NRA spent over $3 million in support of Joni Ernst's campaigns, primarily on attacking her opponents.
2014: Support for Tax Reform
In 2014, Ernst advocated for a simpler federal tax code, reduced spending, and a balanced budget amendment.
2014: Criticism of Obama's Actions
In 2014, Ernst criticized President Obama's recess appointments and handling of the Ebola outbreak, even calling for his impeachment.
2014: Criticism of the Department of Education
In 2014, Ernst inaccurately claimed that 94% of the Department of Education's employees were "nonessential" and argued for funding to be redirected to the state and local levels.
2014: Stance on Same-Sex Marriage
In 2014, Ernst stated that same-sex marriage was a state's rights issue but would support a federal ban if proposed.
2014: Ernst speaks out about sexual harassment
In 2014, Joni Ernst revealed her experiences with sexual harassment in the military and advocated for changes in how such cases are handled.
January 3, 2015: Ernst sworn into US Senate
Joni Ernst was sworn into the United States Senate on January 3, 2015.
October 2015: Criticism of Obama's Afghanistan Strategy
In October 2015, Ernst criticized Obama's strategy in Afghanistan, citing a lack of coherence amid the rise of the Taliban and ISIS.
2015: Call to Halt Admission of Syrian Refugees
In 2015, Ernst advocated for halting the admission of Syrian refugees, citing the need for a more thorough vetting process.
2015: Joni Ernst becomes Junior US Senator from Iowa
In 2015, Joni Ernst began serving as the junior United States Senator from Iowa.
2015: Ernst retires from Iowa Army National Guard
In 2015, Joni Ernst retired from the Iowa Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel.
2015: Ernst retires from the military
In 2015, Joni Ernst retired from the military after 23 years of service in the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
May 2016: Ernst considered as potential VP for Trump
In May 2016, Joni Ernst was considered as a potential vice presidential running mate for Donald Trump.
2016: Opposition to Garland Nomination
In 2016, Ernst opposed Obama's Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland, stating the public deserved a say.
2016: Introduction of "Sarah's Law"
In 2016, Joni Ernst and other Republican senators introduced "Sarah's Law" to honor Sarah Root, a student killed in a car crash.
2016: Endorsement of Steve King
In 2016, Joni Ernst endorsed Steve King for his House seat, praising his stance on life and liberty.
February 2017: Confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary
In February 2017, Ernst voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary, stating their shared belief in local control over education.
2017: Vote for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Ernst voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
2017: Opposition to Transgender Military Ban
In 2017, Ernst announced her opposition to President Trump's ban on transgender individuals serving in the military.
2017: Criticism of Russia's Behavior and Call for Strength against Putin
In 2017, Ernst criticized Russia's actions, including its annexation of Crimea and interference in U.S. elections, and urged Trump to display strength against Putin.
2017: Legislation on Planned Parenthood Funding
In 2017, Ernst introduced legislation to allow states to block Planned Parenthood from receiving certain federal funds.
2017: Questioning of Defense Secretary Nominee
In 2017, Ernst questioned James Mattis, nominee for Secretary of Defense, on wasteful spending and sexual assault in the military.
2017: Position on Bump Stock Restrictions
In 2017, Joni Ernst joined other Republican senators in requesting a review of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' decision regarding bump stocks.
2017: Votes to Repeal the ACA
Joni Ernst voted in favor of three bills to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017.
2017: Support for Withdrawal from Paris Climate Accords
Ernst backed Trump's 2017 decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accords.
2017: Response to Steve King's Controversial Remarks
In 2017, Ernst addressed criticism of Steve King's controversial remarks, stating that she did not condone his behavior but would not call for his resignation.
January 2018: Ernst Supports NAFTA
In January 2018, Senator Joni Ernst joined a group of Republican senators in urging President Trump to preserve and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
March 2018: Vote Against Yemen Troop Withdrawal Resolution
In March 2018, Ernst voted against a resolution that would have required Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from Yemen.
May 2018: Introduction of Rescission Package
In May 2018, Ernst co-sponsored a rescission package to reduce spending, aligning with Trump's wishes.
June 13, 2018: Man Sentenced for Threatening Joni Ernst
On June 13, 2018, Joseph Dierks was sentenced to six years in prison for threatening Senator Joni Ernst on Twitter. The sentence also took into account Dierks's disparaging comments towards the judge, threats against the prosecutor and his children, and threats against black corrections officers.
June 2018: Letter to Defense Secretary Mattis on Military Lawyers
In June 2018, Joni Ernst joined Senators Gillibrand and Leahy in expressing concern about using military lawyers for immigration cases.
June 2018: Questioning Suspension of Joint Military Exercises with South Korea
In June 2018, Ernst questioned Trump's decision to suspend joint military exercises with South Korea.
July 2018: Resolution Endorsing ICE
In July 2018, Joni Ernst joined a group of Republican senators in endorsing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
August 2018: Ernst Advocates for Completing Trade Deals
In August 2018, Senator Joni Ernst advocated for the completion of trade deals like NAFTA and continued work with the European Union, warning that failure to do so could negatively impact Republican candidates.
August 27, 2018: Joni Ernst Announces Divorce
On August 27, 2018, Senator Joni Ernst announced that she and her husband, Gail Ernst, were getting a divorce. She also revealed that she had declined an offer from President Trump to be his vice-presidential running mate.
November 2018: Response to Jamal Khashoggi Murder
In November 2018, Joni Ernst responded to the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, calling Saudi Arabia a strategic partner while also acknowledging the need for a Congressional response due to human rights concerns. She suggested that President Trump should become involved if intelligence agencies provided indicators.
November 2018: Elected Vice Chair of Senate Republican Conference
Joni Ernst was elected as the vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference in November 2018.
2018: Criticism of Scott Pruitt
In 2018, after voting to confirm Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator, Ernst accused him of lying about upholding the Renewable Fuel Standard and called him "swampy".
2018: Response to the Fourth National Climate Assessment
In 2018, following the release of the Fourth National Climate Assessment, Ernst downplayed the findings, suggesting that climate change is a natural and cyclical phenomenon.
2018: Urging Caution in U.S. Cooperation with Russia
In 2018, Ernst advised caution in U.S. cooperation with Russia, particularly regarding Iran and North Korea, emphasizing Russia's unreliability as an ally.
2018: Response to Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting
After the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Ernst cited mental illness as the root cause of mass shootings and co-sponsored a bill to improve information sharing between federal authorities and states regarding failed background checks for firearm purchases.
2018: Ernst's Net Worth Reported as Negative
As of 2018, Senator Joni Ernst's net worth was reported as negative, with debts exceeding $196,000, according to OpenSecrets.org.
2018: NRA Spending in Support of Ernst
Between 2014 and 2018, the NRA spent over $3 million in support of Joni Ernst's campaigns, primarily on attacking her opponents.
2018: Concern over Troop Withdrawal from Syria
In 2018, following Trump's announcement of troop withdrawal from Syria, Ernst expressed concern, labeling it a "premature and costly mistake."
2018: Stance on Border Wall Funding
During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, Ernst suggested that a physical barrier might not be necessary for all areas of the border.
2018: Appearance with Steve King
In 2018, Ernst appeared at a rally with Steve King after he endorsed a Canadian politician with neo-Nazi ties.
2018: Co-sponsorship of Preexisting Conditions Bill
In 2018, Ernst co-sponsored a bill aiming to guarantee coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions, while potentially allowing exclusions for specific condition coverage.
2018: Reiteration of Stance on Supreme Court Nominations
In 2018, Ernst reaffirmed her position that Supreme Court nominees should not be heard during presidential election years.
2018: Opposition to Net Neutrality
In 2018, Joni Ernst voted against reinstating net neutrality.
2018: Ernst Expresses Concerns about Trump's Tariffs
In 2018, Senator Joni Ernst expressed concerns about the potential impact of President Trump's trade tariffs on farmers, while also stating her willingness to give him some leeway in his trade policy negotiations.
January 2019: Ernst's Divorce Finalized
Joni Ernst's divorce from Gail Ernst was finalized in January 2019. The divorce involved allegations of verbal, mental, and physical abuse from both sides, as well as accusations of infidelity, which both parties denied.
February 2019: Confirmation of Andrew Wheeler as EPA Administrator
Ernst voted to confirm Andrew Wheeler as the new EPA administrator in February 2019.
March 2019: Call for Release of Mueller Report
In March 2019, Ernst called for the public release of the full Mueller report findings.
May 2019: Ernst on the US-China Trade War
In May 2019, during the US-China trade war, Senator Joni Ernst expressed her dislike for tariffs but defended President Trump's negotiating tactics, stating that they "bring people to the table." She also attributed the trade war to China.
June 2019: Call for Limits on RFS Waivers
In June 2019, Ernst called for limitations on RFS waivers, criticizing their distribution without congressional oversight.
December 2019: Ernst's campaign faces scrutiny
In December 2019, Joni Ernst's campaign faced scrutiny over its coordination with a political nonprofit, raising concerns about campaign finance regulations.
2019: Joni Ernst Rebukes Steve King
In 2019, Joni Ernst publicly rebuked Representative Steve King following his controversial remarks about white supremacy. This action drew criticism due to Ernst's past support of King, with some commentators questioning the timing and sincerity of her rebuke.
2019: Ernst becomes Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference
Joni Ernst served as the vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference since 2019.
2019: Political Alignment with Trump
In 2019, Politico described Ernst as a reliable vote for Trump's agenda.
2019: Support for Open Carry and Concealed Carry Reciprocity
In 2019, Joni Ernst supported open carry legislation and co-sponsored a bill to enable concealed carry reciprocity between states.
2019: Call for Protection of Kurdish Allies in Syria
In 2019, Ernst urged Trump to protect Kurdish allies in Syria, arguing that abandoning them endangered both the allies and the U.S.
2019: Appointment to Senate Judiciary Committee
In 2019, Ernst became the first female Republican appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
2019: Ernst Accuses Pelosi of Slow-Walking USMCA
In 2019, Senator Ernst accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of delaying the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) but expressed confidence in its eventual ratification.
January 2020: Support for Assassination of Qasem Soleimani
In January 2020, Ernst expressed support for the U.S. military's assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
January 2020: Petition to Reconsider Roe v. Wade
In January 2020, Ernst petitioned the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade.
February 2020: Vote to Acquit Trump in Impeachment Trial
Ernst voted to acquit Trump in his first impeachment trial in February 2020.
May 2020: Praise for Trump's Pandemic Response
In May 2020, Ernst praised Trump's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: Ernst Publishes Memoir
In May 2020, Joni Ernst published her memoir, "Daughter of the Heartland: My Ode to the Country That Raised Me."
May 2020: Vote on FISA Amendment
In May 2020, Ernst voted for an amendment requiring warrants for web search engine data collection under FISA.
August 2020: COVID-19 Conspiracy Theory
In August 2020, Ernst repeated a conspiracy theory about inflated COVID-19 case numbers, later retracting her statement.
September 2020: Low Lifetime Score from the League of Conservation Voters
As of September 2020, Ernst had a 1% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters.
September 2020: Support for Trump's Supreme Court Nominee
Following Justice Ginsburg's death in September 2020, Ernst supported Trump nominating a replacement before the election, contradicting her previous stance.
October 2020: Voting Record with Trump
As of October 2020, Ernst had voted in line with Trump's positions 91.1% of the time.
2020: Ernst runs for reelection
Joni Ernst ran for reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2020, ultimately winning against Democratic nominee Theresa Greenfield.
2020: Ernst and the 2020 Election
In 2020, Senator Joni Ernst faced re-election. Her previous association with Steve King, and her delayed criticism of his remarks on white supremacy, were speculated to potentially impact her campaign. Ernst chose not to endorse King in his 2020 Republican primary race, which he ultimately lost.
2020: Ernst Reelected to the US Senate
In 2020, Joni Ernst was reelected to the U.S. Senate.
May 28, 2021: Vote Against January 6th Commission
On May 28, 2021, Ernst voted against creating a commission to investigate the January 6th Capitol attack.
August 2021: Criticism of Biden's Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal
In August 2021, Ernst condemned the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, labeling it "rapid and haphazard" and "shameful".
September 11, 2021: Criticism of Biden's COVID-19 Policies
On September 11, 2021, Ernst accused Biden of using COVID-19 mandates as a diversion from the anniversary of 9/11 and the Afghanistan withdrawal.
September 2021: Accusations Against Biden
In September 2021, Ernst accused President Biden of overstepping his authority with his COVID-19 policies and using them to distract from other issues.
2021: Response to Capitol Attack
In 2021, Ernst condemned the Capitol attack and voted to certify the election results, but opposed Trump's impeachment.
November 29, 2022: Vote on Respect for Marriage Act
On November 29, 2022, Ernst voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act.
2022: CBO Report on Medicare Costs under Proposed Plan
A CBO report in 2022 analyzed that the proposed plan from 2011 would increase medical costs for Medicare beneficiaries by 61%.
2022: Support for Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
Ernst supported the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
October 2023: Congressional Delegation to Israel
In October 2023, Ernst led a congressional delegation to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders, expressing solidarity amid the Israel-Hamas war.
2023: Ernst becomes Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee
In 2023, Joni Ernst became the Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee.
March 2024: Announcement of Run for Senate Republican Conference Chair
Ernst announced her candidacy for Senate Republican Conference chair in March 2024.
2025: Seeking Senate Republican Conference Chair
Ernst plans to run for Senate Republican Conference Chair in 2025.