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Top WH officials encourage Ernst to run again in private meeting

Top WH officials encourage Ernst to run again in private meeting

Politico19-07-2025
The meeting comes as Senate Republicans have braced for Ernst, 55, to retire. Despite saying last year she intended to run for reelection, she has faced recent setbacks: losing her bid for the No. 3 spot in Senate GOP leadership and facing scrutiny from MAGA allies for voicing early concerns about Trump's pick for Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. She also earned a spate of harsh media coverage when she responded to town hall attendees angry about Medicaid cuts by saying, 'Well, we all are going to die.'
Bryan Kraber, her campaign manager, said Ernst has no plans to tap the brakes.
'Senator Ernst has been proud to partner with President Trump,' he said. 'She will continue to work with him to deliver for Iowans. With over $3.4 million cash on hand and the strong support in every corner of the state, Joni isn't slowing down anytime soon.'
Iowa would not be an easy win Democrats – President Donald Trump carried the state by 13 points in 2024 – regardless of Ernst's decision and the Trump administration is confident they will keep the seat.
'If she chooses not to run then we'll be fine, " said one of the White House officials. 'We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.'
Ernst would be the fourth Senate Republican to call it quits ahead of 2026, joining North Carolina Senator Tom Tillis, Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell and Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor.
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