Joni Ernst announced this week she will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as the nation’s next secretary of defense, it underlined President-elect Donald Trump’s immense sway over Congress and the grassroots in Iowa as he returns to the White House.

Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense is one step closer to receiving the GOP votes he needs to sail through his Senate confirmation process after Republican Sen. Joni Ernst – once a critical holdout in her support of Pete Hegseth – revealed Tuesday she would indeed give his nomination the green light.

Some MAGA-minded Republicans have suggested Kari Lake, an Iowa native, should challenge U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst in a primary in 2026.

Joni Ernst. And her appearance in the state could ... which will work to support MAGA and "America first" candidates and agendas. James McLaughlin said she thinks that, second to Trump himself ...

Incoming Trump administration officials and lawmakers are making outreach to nonprofits to facilitate research for the Department of Government Efficiency.

Look at Nebraska's just-completed Senate race to see that fealty to Donald Trump wouldn't guarantee Ernst keeps her seat, writes .

As far as Pete Hegseth’s nomination for secretary of Defense goes, Senator Joni Ernst was the ball game, and it was over in the second inning. Given her years of advocacy on behalf of women in the military and against sexual assault,

The Iowa Republican’s decision dramatically increases the likelihood that Mr. Hegseth will have enough votes to be confirmed as President-elect Donald J. Trump’s defense secretary. By Karoun ...

Letters published Jan. 13-19, 2025, deal with state government and the resolution of Des Moines' Greenwood Park art installation saga.

Kari Lake is set to speak at an Iowa political event in late January, as her name has come up in connection to the state's U.S. Senate race, despite Lake denying interest. The former Phoenix TV news broadcaster was expected to appear at a Jan. 30 Make America Great Again-themed event in Des Moines, the Des Moines Register reported.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) threw her support behind Defense Secretary-designate Pete Hegseth on Tuesday hours after President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon was grilled by senators ...