Joni Ernst net worth is estimated at around $19 million, making her one of the wealthier members of the U.S. Senate. She is an American politician, a retired military officer, and the junior senator from Iowa since 2015. She married Gail Ernst in 1992, and the two had one daughter named Libby Ernst before divorcing in 2018. Her story covers a remarkable journey from a small farm town in Red Oak, Iowa, to the halls of the United States Senate.
Joni Ernst was born on July 1, 1970, and grew up with strong values rooted in hard work and public service. She served in the Iowa Army National Guard for over two decades and retired as a lieutenant colonel. She belongs to American white ethnicity, describes herself as a Lutheran, and has always been open about her faith and values. In this article, you will find everything about her husband, kids, biography, ethnicity, and full career timeline in one place.
Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Joni Kay Culver Ernst |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1970 |
| Birthplace | Red Oak, Iowa, USA |
| Age (2026) | 55–56 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White American |
| Religion | Lutheran |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 58 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | White |
| Husband | Gail Ernst (married 1992, divorced 2018) |
| Children | Libby Ernst (daughter) |
| Mother | Mrs. Marilyn Culver |
| Father | Mr. Richard Culver |
| Education | Iowa State University, Columbus State University |
| Military Rank | Retired Lieutenant Colonel |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Senate Role | Junior U.S. Senator from Iowa (since 2015) |
| Net Worth (2025–26) | Approx. $19 million |
Joni Ernst Net Worth, Ethnicity & Religion
So how much is Joni Ernst actually worth? According to financial reports, Joni Ernst net worth is approximately $19 million as of 2025. Her income sources include her Senate salary, military pension, and other financial assets she built over decades of public service.
She belongs to American white ethnicity and has always been open about her faith. Joni Ernst describes herself as a Lutheran. Her Christian values often come up when she talks about public policy and personal life decisions. This connection to faith also resonates strongly with her Iowa voter base.
| Category | Details |
| Net Worth (2026) | Approx. $19 million |
| Income Sources | Senate salary, military pension, assets |
| Ethnicity | White American |
| Religion | Lutheran (Christian) |
| Nationality | American |
Husband, Kids & Parents
Joni Ernst married Gail Ernst in 1992, and the two built a quiet life together in Iowa. They welcomed one daughter named Libby Ernst, who has stayed out of the public spotlight. For many years, the family seemed strong while Joni balanced military duties and a growing political career. But on August 27, 2018, Joni announced that she and Gail were going through a divorce, which came as a surprise to many of her supporters.
Joni was born to her American parents, Mrs. Marilyn Culver and Mr. Richard Culver, in Red Oak, Iowa. Growing up in a small farming community, her parents taught her the value of hard work, discipline, and service to others. Her father Richard and mother Marilyn played a huge role in shaping the strong and driven woman she later became. Those small-town Iowa roots are clearly reflected in everything she has done, from her military service to her work in the U.S. Senate.
Joni Ernst and Husband Gail Ernst: Marriage and Divorce
Joni Ernst married Gail Ernst in 1992. They built their life together in Iowa and raised one daughter named Libby Ernst. For years, they were seen as a solid family while Joni balanced military duties and political life at the same time.
But on August 27, 2018, Joni publicly announced that she and Gail were going through a divorce. It was a surprise to many fans and supporters. After the split, she stayed focused on her Senate work and her role as a mother to Libby.
Joni Ernst Parents: Marilyn and Richard Culver
Joni was born to her American parents, Mrs. Marilyn Culver and Mr. Richard Culver, in Red Oak, Iowa. Growing up on a farm in a small town taught her the value of hard work, discipline, and community. Her parents shaped the strong woman she became.
Her rural roots in Iowa gave her a real understanding of farm life and working-class struggles. You can clearly see that in her political career, where she has always stood up for farmers and small-town communities across Iowa.
Early Life & Educational Details
Joni Kay Culver was born on July 1, 1970, in Red Oak, Iowa. She grew up in a small farming community where everyone knew each other. From an early age, she showed the kind of leadership and drive that would define her entire life ahead.
She graduated as the top student from Stanton Community High School, which already tells you a lot about her ambition. After high school, she pursued higher education with the same grit she showed growing up on a farm. Her education set the foundation for both her military and political careers.
Key education highlights:
- Graduated top of her class from Stanton Community High School
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Iowa State University in 1992
- Joined the ROTC program at Iowa State University at age 20
- Participated in an agricultural exchange program in the Soviet Union during college
- Earned a master’s in public administration (MPA) from Columbus State University in 1995
Height, Weight & Profile
Joni Ernst stands at 5 feet 6 inches tall, which equals 168 centimeters. Her weight is approximately 58 kilograms. She carries herself with the posture and discipline you would expect from a retired lieutenant colonel who spent over two decades in uniform.
She has white hair and brown eyes. As of 2026, she is between 55 and 56 years old since her birthday falls on July 1. Her composed and strong physical presence matches the no-nonsense image she has maintained throughout her career as both a soldier and a senator.
| Profile Detail | Information |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in / 168 cm |
| Weight | Approx. 58 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | White |
| Age (2026) | 55–56 years old |
| Birth Sign | Cancer (July 1) |
| Military Honors | Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal |
Career Details
Joni Ernst’s career is a rare mix of military service and political leadership. After finishing at Iowa State University, she joined the U.S. Army Reserve and later served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1993 until 2015. She retired as a lieutenant colonel and earned three major military honors: the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.
On the political side, she was elected as Montgomery County Auditor in 2004 and served from 2005 to early 2011. She then represented her district in the Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014. In 2014, she won a U.S. Senate seat, becoming the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Iowa and the first Republican to win an Iowa Senate seat since 1978. She was reelected in 2020.
Career timeline highlights:
- Served in Iowa Army National Guard from 1993 to 2015, retiring as lieutenant colonel
- Elected as Montgomery County Auditor in 2004, served through early 2011
- Served in the Iowa State Senate representing her district from 2011 to 2014
- Won U.S. Senate seat in 2014, first Iowa Republican woman elected to Congress
- Reelected to the Senate in 2020 with strong Iowa support
- Served as vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference from 2019 to 2023
- Led the Senate Republican Policy Committee as the fourth-highest Republican leader from 2023 to 2025
- Ran for Senate Republican Conference chair in 2025 but the position went to Senator Tom Cotton
Joni Ernst 2026 Political Standing
As of 2026, Joni Ernst continues to serve as the junior United States senator from Iowa. After the 2025 Senate Republican Conference chair race went to Tom Cotton, her ranking in the Republican leadership structure changed. But she remains a powerful voice on issues like foreign policy, trade, and domestic spending reform.
Her positions on Social Security reform, Medicare, Medicaid, and the China trade conflict continue to keep her in national conversations. She is still a central figure in Iowa Republican leadership and someone political watchers are keeping a close eye on heading into the next election cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joni Ernst net worth in 2026?
Joni Ernst net worth is approximately $19 million based on 2025 financial reports. Her wealth comes from her Senate salary, military pension, and financial assets built over decades of public service.
Is Joni Ernst still married in 2026?
No. Joni and Gail Ernst announced their divorce on August 27, 2018. They were married in 1992 and have one daughter together named Libby Ernst.
What is Joni Ernst’s ethnicity and religion?
She has American white ethnicity and describes herself as a Lutheran.
What military rank did Joni Ernst retire at?
She retired as a lieutenant colonel after serving in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1993 to 2015.
What is Joni Ernst’s role in 2026?
She continues to serve as the junior U.S. Senator from Iowa. She did not win the Senate Republican Conference chair race in 2025, which went to Senator Tom Cotton.
Where was Joni Ernst born?
She was born on July 1, 1970, in Red Oak, Iowa, United States.
Conclusion
Joni Ernst is not just a politician. She is a decorated military officer, a single mom, and a trailblazer from small-town Iowa who made it all the way to the United States Senate. Her story is proof that real leadership is built through service, sacrifice, and showing up, whether in uniform or on the Senate floor.
From her psychology degree at Iowa State to her MPA from Columbus State, from the Iowa National Guard to Congress, she has built one of the most impressive careers in modern American politics. Her 2026 profile continues to grow, and she remains a key figure to watch in both Iowa and national Republican politics.If you found this helpful, share it with someone who wants to know more about Iowa’s most talked-about senator.
Ronan Vale is a pop culture enthusiast and entertainment writer with a passion for uncovering the stories behind the stars. He brings fresh perspectives on celebrity news, lifestyle trends, and entertainment insights, engaging readers with a mix of curiosity, depth, and insider knowledge.
