Iowans need to keep U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst working for them in Washington, D.C.

Since taking office in 2015, the Republican who is Iowa’s junior senator has gone to work for farmers, small business owners and veterans.

She has earned a reputation as a champion for ethanol and biodiesel, key components of the state’s agribusiness economy.

In the Senate, Ernst has worked to hold officials of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable. She has pressured the military to improve its response to complaints of sexual assault within the ranks. Standing up for troops and veterans is a mission which is of great importance to the senator, who served in the Army Reserve and Iowa Army National Guard. In 2003, she was a company commander leading convoys in Kuwait and southern Iraq. She retired from the military with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the economy, Ernst worked to secure additional federal relief for small businesses.

She is well positioned to continue serving Iowa in the Senate, thanks to her seats on the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Armed Services; Environment and Public Works; Judiciary; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship committees.

Additionally, she is the vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference, which is the organization of all Republicans in the chamber.

Ernst came to the Senate with invaluable experience in local and state government, having served as Montgomery County auditor and an Iowa state senator.

In Democrat Theresa Greenfield, Ernst has a formidable opponent with an inspiring personal story and lots of private sector experience. However, we feel Ernst’s proven track record in the Capitol makes her the better choice.

The Messenger endorses U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst for a second term in the United States Senate.