Joni Kay Ernst (born Joni Kay Culver) is an American politician and retired military officer serving as the junior United States Senator from Iowa since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, she is known for her military background, advocacy for veterans' affairs, commitment to fiscal conservatism, and focus on defense and foreign policy, including support for Israel. Raised on a family farm near Red Oak in southwestern Iowa, Ernst was instilled with values of hard work, service, and sacrifice by her parents. She graduated as valedictorian from Stanton High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1992, where she joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. Following graduation, she commissioned into the United States Army Reserve and later served in the Iowa Army National Guard, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel as a logistics officer. Her military service included a significant deployment from 2003 to 2004, during which she commanded the 1168th Transportation Company in Kuwait and Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, leading 402 supply convoy missions into Iraq over 12 months. After retiring from the military, Ernst entered public service, serving as Montgomery County Auditor from 2003 to 2011 and as Polk County Auditor from 2011 to 2014. Her 2014 Senate campaign gained national attention with her viral 'pink gun' ad emphasizing her rural roots and Second Amendment support, leading to a victory over Democratic incumbent Bruce Braley. As a senator, she has focused on agriculture, defense, veterans' affairs, rural issues, and national security. She was endorsed by fellow Iowa Republican Charles Grassley, chairs the Senate Republican Policy Committee, and serves on key committees like Armed Services and Agriculture. Her background as a combat veteran and farm-raised Iowan has shaped her policy priorities, including support for military families and fiscal responsibility. She remains an influential figure in Republican politics, particularly on national security, Midwestern economic concerns, and foreign policy.