TL/DR –
Kari Lake, who recently lost a statewide election in Arizona, is being encouraged to challenge Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in Iowa in 2026. This comes after Ernst, a former Army National Guard member, called for thorough vetting of Pete Hegseth, who was nominated as Defense secretary by Donald Trump and faces allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. Lake is also reportedly being considered as the ambassador to Mexico, and some supporters argue that her potential primary challenge could force Ernst to support Hegseth’s nomination.
Kari Lake may challenge Joni Ernst for her Senate seat in 2026
Kari Lake, after her second statewide election loss in Arizona, is being urged to return to her native Iowa to challenge Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in 2026.
Ernst, a retired Army National Guard lieutenant colonel, has called for rigorous vetting of Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Defense secretary nominee, who faces accusations of sexual assault and professional misconduct.
Lake’s potential challenge could force Ernst’s compliance
In MAGA circles, opposing a Trump nominee is considered treachery and could lead to a primary election challenge. Kari Lake’s name emerged last week as a potential Ernst challenger.
Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk and conservative commentator Rogan O’Handley have both raised the prospect on social media.
Ernst recently appeared to soften her stance on Hegseth, pledging to “support Pete through this process”.
Lake’s political influence in Arizona
Lake is credited with the election of Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and Democratic Sen.-elect Ruben Gallego in Arizona. The Arizona Republican Party, hoping to regain key offices in 2026, may regret her potential departure.
Lake is also reportedly being considered as the ambassador to Mexico under the Trump administration.
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