Trump Endorses Candidate To Replace Retiring Sen. Joni Ernst
President Donald J. Trump has thrown his full support behind Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) in her bid to succeed retiring Sen. Joni Ernst, instantly making Hinson the candidate to beat in Iowa’s 2026 Senate race.
Hinson, a former TV anchor now in her third term representing Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, wasted no time highlighting her loyalty to the President as she launched her Senate campaign this week.
“I’m running to be President Trump’s top ally in the United States Senate,” Hinson declared. In a Fox News interview, she reinforced that message, saying she is “proud to stand” with the President.
Trump made his endorsement official on social media, praising Hinson as a proven fighter for Iowa families.
“I know Ashley well, and she is a WINNER! A Loving Wife and Proud Mother of two sons, Ashley is a wonderful person, has ALWAYS delivered for Iowa, and will continue doing so in the United States Senate,” Trump wrote. “Ashley Hinson will be an outstanding Senator, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – SHE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
A Wave of GOP Support
The President’s backing adds to a growing list of high-profile endorsements. Senate Majority Leader John Thune endorsed Hinson on Friday, declaring: “We need conservative fighters in the Senate — and that’s exactly what we’ll get with Ashley Hinson.”
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) also lined up behind her. Its chairman, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), noted: “Having traveled Iowa with Ashley, I know she is the fighter the Hawkeye State needs to deliver President Trump’s agenda in 2026 and beyond.”
Additional endorsements have poured in from House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, Sens. Jim Banks, Katie Britt, Markwayne Mullin, and Iowa House Majority Leader Bobby Kaufmann.
Ernst Steps Aside After Decade in Washington
Hinson’s campaign was launched just hours after Ernst confirmed she will not seek re-election. In a video message last month, Ernst, 55, said: “After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking re-election in 2026.”
Ernst, a retired Army Reserve and Iowa National Guard officer who served in Iraq, made history in 2014 as the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate. She became a household name with her famous “make ’em squeal” campaign ads targeting wasteful spending in Washington.
In her retirement announcement, Ernst said: “11 years ago, Iowans elected me as the first female combat veteran to the U.S. Senate, and they did so with a mission in mind – to make Washington squeal. And I’m proud to say we have delivered. We’ve cut waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government.”
Hinson thanked Ernst for her “incredible service to our state and nation,” calling her a true friend and patriot.
Hinson’s Platform: Trump’s Agenda for Iowa
Laying out her vision on Iowa radio last week, Hinson emphasized a platform aligned with Trump’s America First priorities: securing the border, protecting women’s sports, cutting taxes, defending Iowa agriculture, and supporting young families looking to buy homes and start families.
She also pledged to campaign in all 99 Iowa counties, starting with her kickoff rally on Friday.
The Road Ahead
While Hinson faces primary competition from former state Sen. Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith, Trump’s endorsement — combined with support from Senate leadership and the NRSC — positions her as the clear frontrunner.
In Iowa politics, where grassroots campaigning and presidential loyalty matter deeply, Trump’s “Complete and Total Endorsement” could prove decisive.