Joni Ernst Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography):
Joni Kay Ernst (née Culver), born July 1, 1970 in Red Oak, Iowa, is a Republican U.S. Senator since 2015 and the first female combat veteran ever elected to the Senate. She grew up on a family farm, was valedictorian of her high school class, and earned degrees in psychology and public administration. With over two decades of service in the Iowa Army National Guard including commanding roles in Kuwait and Iraq she retired as a lieutenant colonel. Known for her famed campaign slogan about “making pork squeal,” she quickly became a rising conservative voice in Washington. She chairs the Senate Small Business Committee (since 2025) and previously held leadership roles in Senate GOP policy. Joni is also a survivor of domestic violence and college rape, sharing her story to help others. Recently, her remark “we all are going to die” at a town hall sparked controversy and shifted her 2026 reelection race into a competitive terrain.
Early Life & Education of Joni Ernst
• She grew up on her family’s Iowa farm, walking beans and feeding hogs as a child, where her strong work ethic first took root.
• Joni was valedictorian of Stanton High School’s 1988 class before earning a psychology degree at Iowa State University in 1992.
• She later received a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University to prepare for public service.
Military & Early Career of Joni Ernst
• She joined ROTC at Iowa State, then served 20+ years in the Army Reserve and Iowa National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
• Joni commanded the 1168th Transport Company in Kuwait and later led the 185th Sustainment Battalion during the Iraq War.
• She earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal for her military leadership.
Political Career of Joni Ernst
• In 2014 she became the first woman and combat veteran elected as a U.S. Senator from Iowa, winning with her bold “make ’em squeal” campaign.
• She served as vice chair of Senate GOP Conference (2019–2023), then as Policy Committee chair and Small Business Committee chair from 2025.
• She sponsored veterans’ legislation like Veterans Choice Act and has focused on rural broadband, trade, and agricultural policy.
Controversies around Joni Ernst
• She caused national backlash at a May 2025 town hall after saying “we all are going to die” in response to Medicaid cut concerns.
• She later released a sarcastic apology video filmed in a cemetery, intensifying criticism and energizing Democratic opposition.
• Ethical concerns emerged about her relationships with military lobbyists while overseeing related Senate committees.
Awards & Recognitions received by Joni Ernst
• She received high military honors including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal.
• Joni is celebrated for being the first female combat veteran in the U.S. Senate, a historic milestone since 2015.
• She has been honored by veteran organizations and is a life member of local GOP and veterans groups in Iowa.
Lesser-Known Facts about Joni Ernst
• Young Joni once wore a bucket on her head and a cardboard poncho for fun just because she thought it looked cool.
• As a college student she served battered women as a volunteer even before revealing her own experience as a survivor.
• In 1989 she led an agricultural exchange group to Ukraine, managing all logistics a prelude to her public leadership.