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Joni Ernst
Politicians/Joni Ernst
Joni Ernst (R)
Senator (IA)
Role Summary

Members of the Senate are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing their state, and providing a check on executive power. Key powers include confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, serving on committees, shaping the federal budget, and conducting impeachment trials. Each senator serves a six-year term and represents their entire state.

Quick Facts
Party
Republican
Age
56
Religion
Lutheran
Birthplace
Red Oak, IA
Residence
Red Oak, IA
Born
July 1, 1970
Family
Divorced; 1 Child: Libby
Contact
319-365-4504Contact Formwww.ernst.senate.gov
Election Info
DistrictJunior Seat, IA
Current Term01/06/2015 — Present
First Elected11/04/2014
Last Elected11/03/2020
Next Senator Election2026
Education
BA, Psychology
Iowa State University
1988-1992
MPA, Justice Administration
Columbus State University
1992-1995
Political Career4
Senator
Iowa State Senate
2011-2014
Senator
United States Senate
2015-present
County Auditor
Montgomery County, Iowa
2005-2011
Vice Chair
Senate Republican Conference, United States Senate
2019-2025
Professional Background2
Served
United States Army Reserve
1993-2001
Lieutenant Colonel
Iowa Army National Guard
2001-2015
Organizations6
Montgomery County Crime Stoppers
Member
Montgomery County Memorial Court of Honor
Member
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2265
Member
Red Oak Chamber of Commerce
Member
Mamrelund Lutheran Church of Stanton
Member
National Rifle Association
Life Member
present
Committees12
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Committee on Armed Services
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs
Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources
Subcommittee on Cybersecurity
Subcommittee on Disaster Management, District of Columbia, and Census
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Local Food Systems, and Food Safety and Security
Subcommittee on Personnel
Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit

Recent Bills & Votes

S 5271A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identificationVoted YesHR 6500African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension ActVoted YesHR 5334Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions (SEED) Act of 2025Voted YesS J Res 187A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Modification to the Start of the Submission Period for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Under TSCA 8(a)(7)"Voted NoS J Res 181A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by CongressVoted No
Quick Facts
Party
Republican
Age
56
Religion
Lutheran
Birthplace
Red Oak, IA
Residence
Red Oak, IA
Born
July 1, 1970
Family
Divorced; 1 Child: Libby
Contact
319-365-4504Contact Formwww.ernst.senate.gov