Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican facing reelection in 2026, flippantly dismissed voters’ concerns in recent days that people could die if Republicans cut Medicaid as they’ve promised to do ...

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) defended the House reconciliation bill’s changes to Medicaid at a town hall in Butler County, Iowa, on Friday with the statement, “We all are going to die.” Ernst was taking questions about what Democrats have characterized as cuts to Medicaid in the House-passed domestic policy bill that now lies before the

Sen. Joni Ernst told reporters in 2024 that she intended to seek a third term but has not formally launched a reelection campaign.

The House minority leader agreed with the Iowa senator that death is inevitable, but said he didn't think the cause should be "Republican cruelty.”

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst's comments and video have led to a shift in Crystal Ball's rating of the 2026 Senate race from "safe Republican" to "likely Republican", as Democrats have gained a credible candidate in state Rep.

Democrat J.D. Scholten, a Iowa state rep and pro baseball player, will take on Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in 2026 -- in part because of her comments about Medicaid cuts.