Sen. Joni Ernst made it official Tuesday: She’s not seeking reelection.

The Iowa Republican said she would be calling it quits at the end of her current term, opening the door for a battle to replace her next year.

“After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026,” Ms. Ernst said in a video. “This was no easy decision. I love my state and country.”

Ms. Ernst is headed for the exits along with fellow Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a pair of decisions that provide Democrats a puncher’s chance in both races.

Ms. Ernst, 55, splashed onto the national scene in 2014 after she released a campaign ad in which she likened castrating pigs on the farm to her quest to cut the pork out of Washington spending.

She served for several years in the No. 3 spot in the Senate GOP leadership and was considered a vice presidential contender for Trump’s first White House run.

Ms. Ernst, a former Army National Guard member and a retired lieutenant colonel, followed through by offering up monthly “Squeal Awards” for some of the government’s most ridiculous spending. Also, she served as a chief advocate for the Department of Government Efficiency’s push to curtail government spending.

“Eleven years ago, Iowans elected me as the first female combat veteran to the U.S. Senate, and they did so with a mission in mind: To make Washington squeal, and I am proud to say we have delivered,” she said. 

• This story is based in part on wire reports.

• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.