The Iowa Senate race just got a lot more competitive. The Center for Politics and the Cook Political Report have shifted their ratings for the Iowa Senate seat from “Safe Republican” to “Likely Republican,” citing growing vulnerabilities for Joni Ernst.
The shift comes after a string of tone-deaf and increasingly unhinged stunts from Ernst – first snapping at a constituent worried about GOP Medicaid cuts with, “Well, we all are going to die,” then doubling down by filming a sarcastic non-apology video in a cemetery, and finally, fleeing reporters while insisting that she’s a “compassionate person.” And just this morning, when asked if she would’ve done anything differently, Ernst replied with, “No, I don’t think so.”
American Bridge 21st Century released a blistering new video today slamming Ernst for her callousness, featuring her quote in stark contrast with footage of vulnerable Iowans who rely on Medicaid to survive. The video underscores just how out of touch Ernst has become after over a decade in Washington.
“From cemetery selfies to fleeing press questions, Ernst is literally digging her own political grave to defend a Medicaid-cutting bill that even Republicans and Donald Trump loyalists are growing to hate,” said American Bridge 21st Century spokesperson Nico Delgado. “Iowans deserve a senator who doesn’t mock their health care concerns from a gravestone backdrop.”
Here’s what Iowans are saying about Joni Ernst:
- “Angry doesn’t begin to, like, describe what I feel about it… She was saying to me, she doesn’t care if my kids die.”
- “It was rude and it was very uncouth and there was no compassion… We should call her out and maybe refer to her as ‘Joni Hearse’ from here on out.”
- “Really, Joni Ernst, “We all are going to die”? Do you realize how arrogant that sounds, especially to someone who would be in the position of losing their health insurance or living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to make ends meet?”
Published: Jun 5, 2025 | Last Modified: Jun 10, 2025