In a bold move, former Iowa State Senator Jim Carlin has launched a campaign to unseat U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, accusing her of straying from conservative principles.
According to Fox News, in an interview with Fox News Digital, Carlin criticized Ernst’s voting record, particularly her support for the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022, while positioning himself as a staunch conservative alternative for Iowa voters.
Carlin, who previously served in the Iowa State Senate, announced his intention to challenge Ernst for her U.S. Senate seat, a position she has held since 2015. During his recent discussion with Fox News Digital, Carlin pointed to what he sees as inconsistencies in Ernst’s record as a Republican. He specifically noted, “May be a Republican, but she doesn't vote like one,” highlighting his belief that Ernst’s actions do not align with party values.
One of Carlin’s main criticisms centers on Ernst’s scores from Heritage Action for America, a conservative advocacy group that rates lawmakers based on their votes. For the 118th congressional session, Ernst received a score of 42%, while her lifetime score stands at 63%, figures Carlin cited as evidence of her moderate leanings. He argues that these numbers reflect a departure from the conservative ideals expected by Iowa Republicans.
Carlin also took issue with Ernst’s vote in 2022 to support the Respect for Marriage Act, a federal law signed by then-President Joe Biden. The legislation prohibits states from refusing to recognize marriage records from other states based on factors like sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin, building on a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandated states to allow and recognize same-sex marriages. Ernst was among 12 Senate Republicans who joined Democrats in passing the bill, a decision Carlin said he would not have supported.
Adding to his critique, Carlin referred to Ernst as a “Log Cabin hero,” seemingly alluding to the Log Cabin Republicans, an organization representing LGBT conservatives and their allies. According to the group’s website, Ernst is listed among their congressional allies. She also participated in an event with the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans in June, alongside several House Republicans, though the specific year was not disclosed.
In response to Carlin’s challenge, Ernst’s campaign manager, Bryan Kraber, defended her record with confidence. He stated, “Good luck trying to take on this combat veteran. Senator Ernst has a proven record of conservative leadership—cutting waste, securing the border, and making Washington squeal to keep Iowans’ hard-earned money in their own pockets.” Kraber added, “And she delivers for our families, farmers, and veterans. Iowans already saw through Carlin’s last failed campaign, and they’ll reject his desperate attempt at relevance again in 2026.”
Carlin’s bid to unseat Ernst may face significant hurdles, given his past electoral performance. In the 2022 GOP U.S. Senate primary in Iowa, he was defeated by Sen. Chuck Grassley, another long-standing Republican figure in the state. If Ernst confirms her intention to run for re-election, political observers suggest Carlin’s challenge could be an uphill battle.
Beyond his criticism of Ernst, Carlin has outlined several policy stances that reflect his conservative outlook, particularly on economic issues. On his campaign website, he described the national debt as a “national security threat,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing fiscal challenges. He reiterated this concern in his interview, calling the debt a “national security threat to us, as the world's reserve currency.”
Carlin also expressed skepticism about the Federal Reserve, suggesting it should be audited and possibly abolished. He went further by floating the idea of returning to a gold standard to stabilize currency value, stating, “We have to stop this free fall in the valuation of our currency.” These proposals underscore his focus on reshaping national economic policies.
Turning to state-specific concerns, Carlin addressed the role of federal subsidies in Iowa’s agricultural sector, often referred to as the Hawkeye State. He argued that agriculture “needs to be weaned off of federal subsidies,” claiming the current system “is hurting it more than helping it.” His stance reflects a broader push for reducing government intervention in key industries.
On international matters, Carlin acknowledged that “foreign aid is appropriate” in certain situations. However, he stressed that “it needs to be more measured than what it is … currently,” advocating for a more restrained approach to overseas assistance. This position aligns with his overarching theme of fiscal caution and prioritization of domestic needs.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Carlin’s challenge to Ernst introduces a new dynamic to Iowa’s Republican landscape. While Ernst has been a fixture in the Senate since 2015, Carlin’s criticisms could resonate with voters seeking a more hardline conservative representative. The outcome of this potential primary battle may hinge on how each candidate frames their vision for Iowa and the nation.
For now, Ernst has not officially announced whether she will seek re-election, leaving room for speculation about the race’s future. Carlin, meanwhile, appears determined to press his case, leveraging his critiques of Ernst’s record to build support among conservative voters. As the campaign unfolds, Iowa Republicans will likely face a choice between continuity and a shift toward a different brand of conservatism.