Joni Ernst Biography 2025 Net Worth, Salary, Age, Career, Personal Life, Family, & More

Joni Ernst Biography Joni Kay Ernst born July 1, 1970) is an American politician and former military officer currently serving as the junior United States senator from Iowa, a position she has held since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Ernst previously served in the Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014 and as the auditor of Montgomery County from 2004 to 2011. As the Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee since 2023, and having served as vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference from 2019, she is the fourth-highest-ranking Republican in the Senate.

Joni Ernst Biography

Joni Ernst, an American politician, has an estimated net worth of $4 million. Known for her significant career, she became the junior United States senator for Iowa in 2015 and previously served in the Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014. Additionally, Ernst was appointed Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee in 2023. Ernst earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbus State University. After completing her education, she began her military career by joining the United States Army Reserve and later became a logistics officer. She attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard and served as the commander of the 1168th Transportation Company in Kuwait.

Joni Ernst Biography Details

About Joni Ernst

Joni Kay Ernst is an American former military officer and politician serving as the junior United States senator from Iowa since 2015. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served in the Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014 and as auditor of Montgomery County from 2004 to 2011.

1. Born: 1 July 1970 (age 54 years), Red Oak, Iowa, United States
2. Spouse: Gail Ernst (m. 1992–2019)
3. Office: Senator (R-IA) since 2015
4. Previous offices: Member of the Iowa Senate (2013–2014), Member of the Iowa Senate (2011–2013)
5. Children: Libby Ernst
6. Education: Columbus State University (1995), Iowa State University (1992)
7. Books: Daughter of the Heartland

Early Life and Education

Born as Joni Kay Culver in Montgomery County, Iowa, she is the daughter of Marilyn and Richard Culver. Ernst was the valedictorian of her class at Stanton Community School District High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Iowa State University in 1992 and a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbus State University in 1995. While in college, she participated in an agricultural exchange program to the Soviet Union.

Ernst joined Iowa State University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program at age 20 and later joined the United States Army Reserve after graduation. She served as a logistics officer and eventually achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard. In 2003-2004, she spent 12 months in Kuwait, where she commanded the 1168th Transportation Company during the Iraq War.

Joni Ernst Military Career

Joni Ernst began her military career by joining Iowa State University’s ROTC program at the age of 20. She later served in the United States Army Reserve and the Iowa Army National Guard. Throughout her career, she worked as a logistics officer, eventually attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. During the Iraq War, she served as the commander of the 1168th Transportation Company in Kuwait. In the later years of her career, she took on the role of commanding officer for the 185th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. Over the course of her service, Ernst contributed to various important military projects and earned numerous accolades.

Joni Ernst’s Personal Life

Joni Ernst was born on July 1, 1970, in Red Oak, Iowa, making her 54 years old. Her full name is Joni Kay Ernst, and she grew up in a family with her parents, Marilyn and Richard Culver. She attended Stanton Community School District High School, where she was the valedictorian of her class. After high school, Joni went on to pursue higher education at Iowa State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1992. Later, she obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbus State University in 1995. Following her education, Joni began her career in the military.

Joni Ernst Professional Political Career

Joni Ernst began her political career with the goal of serving in public office, and she successfully ran for election. She became the United States Senator from Iowa in 2015, a position she has held for several years. Ernst has also served as the Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee. Since 2023, she has chaired the Senate Republican Policy Committee, and she previously served as a Member of the Iowa Senate for the 12th district. Throughout her career, she has built a successful path in politics.

Joni Ernst’s Husband and Family

In 1992, Ernst married Gail Ernst, an Army officer. They have one daughter together, Libby. Gail Ernst also has two children from a previous marriage. Ernst’s family is essential to her. She lives in Red Oak, Iowa, near her family and near where she grew up. Her daughter Libby is a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Ernst’s husband, Gail Ernst, is a retired Army colonel. He served in the Army for 25 years, including deployments to Bosnia and Iraq. Gail Ernst is also a small business owner.

What is Joni Ernst Net Worth in 2025

Joni Ernst, an American politician, has a net worth of approximately $4 million as of 2025. Her successful career in both politics and the military has contributed to this wealth. She has earned recognition and several awards throughout her career, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. Ernst’s assets include a home in Red Oak, Iowa, valued at about $200,000, as well as retirement savings accounts worth around $100,000. However, she also carries a significant amount of debt, with over $200,000 in student loans and more than $100,000 in other liabilities.

Joni Ernst Salary & Net Worth 2025