Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has told confidantes she plans to reveal next week that she won't seek reelection in 2026, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. Ernst's announcement is scheduled for Thursday, the sources said. Ernst, 55, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2015.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is expected to announce next month she won’t seek reelection, leaving another vacancy in an Iowa seat that could have ripple effects down the ballot as Democrats look to the state

Joni Ernst will not seek reelection in 2026, two people familiar with her decision confirmed to POLITICO, opening up a Senate seat in a red-leaning state Democrats hope to target. The Iowa Republican’s plans shake up the battle for the midterms.