Ernst has been having an especially terrible run lately, and she’s polling even with all four of the major Dems in the primary (which is very bad for an incumbent). It does create an open primary, and I’m not sure it’ll produce anyone better (electorally or substantively).
I don't see anyone emerging from a gop primary stronger than Ernst. It'll either be a candidate like her but with lower name recognition, or someone too far to the right for even Iowa in 2026
Unfortunately Ashley Hinson is likely to be the replacement, and she's far more popular than Ernst. Hinson has perfected using the stepford smile to hide how extreme she is, and she plays the violin! Isn't that just precious. 🙄
True but incumbency typically has its advantages. Although maybe not right now, and especially when you essentially wish death on your constituents.