President Donald Trump just endorsed a candidate to replace outgoing U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). 

Fox News reports that Trump has put his support behind U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA).

Trump, as always, released his endorsement on social media:

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson is running for the United States Senate in Iowa, a State I love and WON BIG, THREE TIMES, in 2016, 2020, and 2024. I know Ashley well, and she is a WINNER! A Loving Wife and Proud Mother of two sons, Ashley is a wonderful person, has ALWAYS delivered…

— Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) September 5, 2025

Ernst calls it quits

In case you missed it, just recently, reports were published indicating that Ernst will not seek reelection in 2026. The news came as a surprise to many.

CBS News reported:

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has told confidantes she plans to reveal next week that she won't seek reelection in 2026, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. Ernst's announcement is scheduled for Thursday, the sources said. Ernst, 55, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2015.

Ernst did indeed follow these reports up with an official statement.

The Hill reported:

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) formally announced in a video Tuesday she will not seek reelection in next year’s midterm elections. “I will not be seeking reelection in 2026,” Ernst said. “This was no easy decision. I love my state and country.”

Talk immediately turned to finding a replacement for Ernst.

Trump makes his pick

Initial reporting suggested that Hinson was the Republican favorite to take Ernst's Senate seat, and it would appear that the president agrees.

On social media, he released a message, stating:

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson is running for the United States Senate in Iowa, a State I love and WON BIG, THREE TIMES, in 2016, 2020, and 2024. I know Ashley well, and she is a WINNER!

Trump went on to reveal what we can expect from Hinson.

He wrote:

A Loving Wife and Proud Mother of two sons, Ashley is a wonderful person, has ALWAYS delivered for Iowa, and will continue doing so in the United States Senate. She is working hard to Create Jobs, Cut Taxes, Promote Products and Services MADE IN AMERICA by our incredible Iowa Workers, Support our Great Farmers and American Agriculture, Champion Innovation, Continue to Help Secure our now very Secure Southern Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Ashley Hinson will be an outstanding Senator, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement.

"SHE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!" the president concluded.