Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) teased a run for Iowa’s Senate seat on Tuesday after Sen. Joni Ernst (R) formally announced her retirement.

“As we look forward, President Trump needs a fighter in the Senate who will always have his back to continue to cut spending, deport illegal aliens, and put working families first,” Hinson, a staunch Trump ally, said in a post on the social platform X.

“I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with the President to pass this America First agenda in the House,” she continued, “and I would be his strongest ally in the Senate.”

“Matt and I will have an announcement soon about how we believe we can best serve Iowa, and how we can help President Trump make America great again,” the congresswoman added, referring to her husband.

Ernst formally announced her retirement Tuesday following reports last week that she did not intend to run for reelection in next year’s midterms.

“I will not be seeking reelection in 2026,” Ernst said on Tuesday. “This was no easy decision. I love my state and country.” 

A Republican operative told The Hill last week that Hinson, a reporter-turned-lawmaker, was likely best positioned to replace the senator.

Hinson praised Ernst’s congressional and military service on Tuesday.

“Service defines Senator Joni Ernst from serving her country in uniform to fiercely fighting for Iowans in the U.S. Senate,” Hinson said Tuesday. “Her story from Red Oak to the Senate is a powerful example of the American dream. Our country and state are better off because of Joni’s selfless service I lead a heartfelt thank you from every Iowan.”

Ernst’s decision to forgo a third term leaves an open seat that could become hotly contested as Democrats try to retake the majority in the upper chamber.

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rated Ernst’s seat as “likely Republican” before news of her expected retirement broke.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democratic Senate Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said in a joint statement following Ernst’s announcement that the GOP majority in the Senate was in jeopardy.

“Donald Trump and Senate Republicans’ devastating agenda has put their majority in jeopardy,” the Democrats said. “Republicans can see the writing on the wall: spiking costs and ripping away health care does so much damage to their states that they would rather leave the Senate than defend their actions to voters.”

“Democrats are in a strong position to win seats and continue fighting for working families,” the duo added.