Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa stirred up a storm with her insensitive remarks during a town hall, stating, “we all are going to die.
” These comments have not only caused public outrage but have also led to State Representative JD Scholten announcing his candidacy to challenge Ernst in the upcoming 2026 midterm election.
In response to Ernst’s comments, Scholten expressed his dismay and firm stance on the matter by emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Iowans. He stated, “
I don’t think there’s anything worse that you could do than cut Medicaid, cut SNAP benefits for everyday Iowans just so you can give billionaires bigger tax breaks. That is not Iowa in my mind.”
Despite facing criticism for her remarks, Ernst has chosen not to retract or apologize for her statements. Instead, she released a video mocking those who criticized her initial statement. In the video, she attempted to clarify her position by mentioning that her comment about death was meant as a general observation rather than an alarming statement.
Scholten promptly responded to Ernst’s video, highlighting how disconnected it was from the real issues faced by Iowans. He emphasized the detrimental impact of policies favoring billionaires over hardworking citizens and called for a more equitable system that prioritizes the needs of ordinary people.
The political landscape in Iowa has seen significant shifts over recent years, with a noticeable rightward trend. Despite this shift, Ernst’s margin of victory narrowed in the 2020 election compared to previous ones. With 2026 being touted as a potentially transformative year politically and considering Ernst’s recent controversies, the upcoming race is expected to be fiercely competitive.
Scholten’s track record of outperforming traditional Republican strongholds in his district indicates his potential strength as a candidate. His victories in previous elections demonstrate his ability to garner support across party lines—a crucial factor in challenging an incumbent senator like Joni Ernst.
As we look ahead to the 2026 elections, all eyes will be on Iowa as this high-stakes political showdown unfolds between Joni Ernst and JD Scholten. The clash between differing ideologies and approaches promises an engaging and pivotal contest that could reshape Iowa’s political landscape significantly.
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