Joni Ernst in the hot seat, GOP primary challenger announces
Laura Belin and Spencer Dirks discuss the intense pressure campaign U.S. Senator Joni Ernst is facing from MAGA Republicans. Joshua Smith has announced plans to run against Ernst in the 2026 GOP primary, and conservative influencers have floated other possible challengers. Also covered: comments from other Iowa politicians about Trump's picks, fewer women elected to the Iowa legislature in 2024, more fallout from the Secretary of State's efforts to find "non-citizen" voters, and an award for Governor Kim Reynolds.
Creators and Guests
Host
Laura Belin
Laura Belin has been called “probably the hardest-working — and perhaps the best — political reporter in the state” and “one of the best investigative reporters in the state.”
Host
Spencer Dirks
Spencer Dirks is a lifelong Iowan and has been the program director at KNIA/KRLS Radio in Knoxville for 15+ years. He also co-hosts a podcast called Iowa Revolution with Dr. Robert Leonard.
