### J.D. Scholten Announces Bid for U.S. Senate Against Joni Ernst

State Representative J.D. Scholten from Sioux City, Iowa, declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Monday, aiming to unseat Republican Senator Joni Ernst, who has held the position since 2015. Scholten's decision to run was partly influenced by Ernst's recent remarks at a town hall meeting in Parkersburg, which drew significant national controversy.

During the town hall, Ernst responded to a question about cuts to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) spending by stating, "Well, we all are going to die," prompting jeers from the crowd. She later clarified that Medicaid spending would focus on the most vulnerable, but the damage was done. Scholten found these comments unacceptable, spurring him to enter the race.

Scholten criticized the current representation of Iowa by Senators Ernst and Chuck Grassley, expressing concerns over their impact on the state. Reflecting on a time when Iowa had balanced representation with both a Democrat and a Republican senator, Scholten argued that such balance benefited the state by ensuring leadership from both political perspectives.

Elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2023, Scholten has focused on educational issues and protecting Iowans' rights. He has been vocal against anti-DEI legislation, which he believes adds chaos and uncertainty for schools and educators. Additionally, Scholten balances his political career with playing for the Sioux City Explorers baseball team, even having his Explorers hat featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 2024, Scholten successfully won re-election against local teacher Josh Steinhoff by a margin of 6.9 points in a district that had favored President Donald Trump. Scholten attributes his success to outperforming the ticket and earning the trust of the voters, regardless of party affiliation. His previous congressional runs in Iowa’s 4th District, although unsuccessful, taught him the importance of building relationships with constituents across the political spectrum.

Scholten believes that 2026 could be a promising year for the Democratic Party in Iowa, which has not had representation in the state's congressional delegation since 2022. He sees similarities between the current political climate and that of 2018, a time when Democrats made significant gains. Scholten emphasized the need for change, particularly in addressing agricultural concerns exacerbated by tariffs and delays in farm bill legislation.

His campaign will kick off with a familiar approach, as he plans to reconnect with voters across the state. Referencing his grandmother’s advice to "take care of the farm," Scholten expressed deep concern for Iowa’s agricultural recession and the broader economic challenges facing the state.