Ernst Challenge: Iowa Democrat Enters Senate Race
J.D.Scholten, a Democrat, jumps into the 2026 Iowa Senate race to challenge incumbent Joni Ernst, fueled by controversy over Ernst’s recent remarks on Medicaid adn SNAP cuts. Scholten cites Ernst’s comments as unacceptable, directly motivating his decision to run for U.S.Senate. The announcement follows Ernst’s controversial response to constituent concerns about potential cuts,sparking swift condemnation from Democrats. Scholten, speaking with Politico, framed Ernst’s words as disrespectful to Iowans, signaling the opportune moment for his bid. Ernst, facing criticism, issued a clarification and a sarcastic apology video. News Directory 3 will continue to follow this story as Scholten joins fellow Democrat Nathan Sage in the race. Discover what’s next in this pivotal Iowa Senate battle.
Scholten to Challenge Ernst for Iowa Senate Seat
Updated June 02, 2025
Iowa state Rep.J.D. Scholten, a Democrat, announced he will challenge Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, in the upcoming election. Scholten’s decision follows backlash against Ernst for comments made at a recent town hall regarding Medicaid and SNAP cuts.
Scholten told The Gazette that Ernst’s weekend remarks spurred him to action. He characterized her statements as “unacceptable,” motivating him to enter the race for the U.S.Senate.
Speaking to Politico, Scholten said Ernst “disrespected” Iowans, signaling that ”now’s the time” for his official bid. The controversy arose after constituents voiced concerns at a Butler, Iowa, town hall that proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP could lead to fatalities.
Ernst responded to the audience’s concerns by stating, “Well, we are all going to die.”
Democrats swiftly condemned Ernst’s response,particularly in light of a House-passed budget reconciliation package proposing cuts to both Medicaid and SNAP funding. The Democrats’ Senate campaign arm criticized Ernst’s “callous remark,” arguing that Republicans are pushing for Medicaid cuts to finance tax breaks for the wealthy.
Ernst addressed the audience’s jeers by clarifying that medicaid eligibility requirements would be upheld. She stated that individuals eligible for Medicaid would be protected, while those with alternative benefit options should pursue them, freeing up resources for eligible recipients.
Ernst later released a sarcastic apology video, reiterating, ” I made an incorrect assumption that everyone in the auditorium understood that, yes, we are all going to perish from this earth.”
Scholten previously ran for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District seat in 2018 and 2020.
Scholten joins Democrat Nathan Sage in the 2026 Senate race.Sage previously criticized the treatment of farmers and vowed to challenge Ernst.
Ernst,seeking a third term,won reelection in 2020 by approximately seven points. Iowa’s Senate seats have historically favored Republicans. In the last presidential election, president Trump carried the state by 13 points.
What’s next
The upcoming election promises a competitive race as Scholten challenges Ernst, focusing on healthcare and economic issues. The political landscape in Iowa could shift as the candidates address key concerns of voters.