Joni Ernst is a Republican U.S. Senator from Iowa, serving since January 2015. Born on July 1, 1970, in Red Oak, Iowa, she grew up on a family farm and later graduated from Iowa State University and earned a master’s degree from Columbus State College. Ernst served over 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard, including deployment as a company commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Before the Senate, she was Montgomery County auditor (2005–2011) and then served in the Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014[1][2][6][7]. Ernst gained national recognition during her 2014 Senate campaign with a memorable ad emphasizing her farming roots and fiscal conservatism, declaring she knew how to “cut pork” in Washington. She became the first woman to represent Iowa in the U.S. Senate and the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate. Her political positions are firmly conservative, advocating for limited federal government, states’ rights, repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and strong support for Iowa farmers and small businesses. She has also opposed abortion and supported gun rights[2][7]. In the Senate, Ernst has been active on committees related to agriculture, veterans’ affairs, and national defense. She delivered the Republican response to President Obama’s 2015 State of the Union address and supported many of President Trump’s policies, including tax reform and attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. She voted against Trump’s conviction in his 2020 impeachment trial. Recently, Ernst sponsored legislation focused on food security and farm protection, reflecting ongoing engagement with agricultural issues important to Iowa[1][2][5]. Ernst continues to represent Iowa with emphasis on economic growth, national defense, and veterans’ support. She resides in Red Oak, Iowa.