On Iowa Politics Podcast: Joni Ernst shakes up Iowa’s 2026 Elections

This week on the podcast, how does Joni Ernst’s decision to not seek reelection impact Iowa’s 2026 elections?

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the stories talked about in this episode:

Iowa’s Ernst makes it official, will not seek reelection to third U.S. Senate term

With Ernst out, Iowa’s Ashley Hinson announces U.S. Senate run in reshaped race

Campaign Almanac: Former Iowa U.S. Rep. Rod Blum weighs congressional comeback

Iowa state Sen. McClintock announces run for open 2nd District U.S. House seat

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com