Ernst’s annual Roast and Ride fundraiser set for this fall on event’s 10-year anniversary

DES MOINES — Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst’s annual Roast and Ride fundraiser — on the event’s 10th anniversary — has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, in Des Moines, her campaign announced Wednesday.

Speakers for the event are not yet being announced, the campaign said.

Ernst is serving her second, six-year term representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate. She is up for re-election in 2026, and has not yet officially said whether she plans to seek another term.

Ernst officially announced her 2020 re-election campaign at her 2019 Roast and Ride fundraiser.

“Roast and Ride brings out the best of Iowa — patriotism, community, and the pride of honoring our veterans,” Ernst said in a campaign press release. “It’s always a highlight of my year, and I’m looking forward to October 11 for another unforgettable day of Harleys, hogs, and giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.”

Ernst’s first Roast and Ride was held in June of 2015 and featured seven Republicans who were running or mulling a run for president in the 2016 election cycle. Eventual party nominee and President Donald Trump was not at that inaugural event, but did speak at Ernst’s 2016 Roast and Ride.

Ernst and her campaign have held the Roast and Ride annually, with two exceptions: the 2020 event — during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic — featured only the motorcycle ride and smaller rallies across the state, and no Roast and Ride was held in 2021.

The 2025 motorcycle ride, which honors Iowa veterans, will again start at Big Barn Harley-Davidson in Des Moines. The hog roast will again be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Anyone interested in attending the 2025 Roast and Ride can get advance tickets at iowasroastandride.com.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau

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