Ernst, Joni

Joni Ernst represents Iowa as a Republican member of the House. Before entering federal office, she served for over two decades in the Army Reserve and the Iowa Army National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Her military career included commanding a transportation company in Kuwait during the Iraq War. Her political experience includes serving as the Montgomery County Auditor and as a member of the Iowa State Senate. She holds degrees from Iowa State University and Columbus State University.

In her legislative role, she is heavily involved in committees related to Small Business, Armed Services, and Agriculture. She has held leadership positions such as Chair of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and has led subcommittees focused on rural development and emerging threats. Her policy work often centers on supporting military families, streamlining government regulations, and advocating for the agricultural sector, which is vital to her home state.

Ernst has sponsored numerous bills, including the Students Bill of Rights Act and the SBA Collections Act. She has also focused on improving child care opportunities for military families and enhancing economic security for small businesses. Throughout her tenure, she has been a vocal advocate for fiscal reforms to federal programs and has balanced her support for party leadership with independent stances on trade and foreign policy. In late 2025, she announced that she would not seek reelection in the upcoming cycle.