Former Iowa State Senator Jim Carlin is challenging U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, by accusing her of not aligning with traditional Republican voting patterns. Carlin, who previously ran for Senate in 2022, criticized Ernst for her 42% Heritage Action for America score, which is the group’s evaluation of a lawmaker’s alignment with conservative principles during the 118th congressional session. Carlin’s criticism is rooted in his belief that Ernst’s voting record does not reflect the core values of the Republican Party, despite her lifetime score of 63%, which is considered fairly conservative by the group’s standards. This discrepancy highlights the internal challenges within the party regarding the interpretation and enforcement of conservative principles.
Ernst’s defense of her voting record centers around her tenure in the Senate since 2015. Her support for the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022 has been a point of contention. The act, which passed with bipartisan support, ensures that states recognize same-sex marriages and their legal implications, a decision that marked a significant shift in the U.S. Supreme Court’s stance on marriage equality. Carlin’s criticism of Ernst for this vote is indicative of the broader debate within the Republican Party over the acceptance of progressive social issues, even among those who are traditionally seen as conservative.
Carlin’s broader political agenda includes his criticism of the national debt and his call for federal audit of the Federal Reserve. According to Carlin, the current monetary system poses a ‘national security threat,’ with his campaign website citing the debt as a major concern. His suggestion of returning to a gold standard reflects a more traditional approach to monetary policy, which contrasts with the current system’s reliance on fiat currency. These positions are part of a larger discourse within the Republican Party about the role of government in managing the economy and the potential risks associated with the current fiscal policies.
The political dynamics in Iowa are further complicated by Carlin’s stance on agriculture and federal subsidies. He argues that over-reliance on federal aid is harmful to Iowa’s agricultural sector, suggesting that such practices are not beneficial but rather detrimental to the state’s economy. This critique is part of a larger movement within the Republican Party to reduce government intervention in agricultural practices and promote self-sufficiency among farmers. Carlin’s criticism of the over-spending on foreign aid also highlights his focus on fiscal responsibility and the need to allocate resources more effectively.
Ernst’s campaign has defended her record, emphasizing her commitment to conservative leadership and her efforts to ‘cut waste, secure the border, and make Washington squeal to keep Iowans’ hard-earned money in their own pockets.’ Her campaign manager, Bryan Kraber, has dismissed Carlin’s challenge, pointing to the previous defeat of Carlin by Chuck Grassley in the 2022 primary as evidence of his lack of support among Iowans. This underscores the importance of the primary process in shaping the candidates for the 2026 race and the broader implications for the Republican base’s preferences.