DES MOINES – Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn tonight congratulated Joni Ernst (R-Red Oak) on her election to the Iowa Senate. Ernst won today’s special election in Senate District 48, the seat formerly held by Lt. Gov.-elect Kim Reynolds.

“Joni will deliver on the promise to return smaller, limited government to Iowa, focusing on ways to incentivize private sector economic growth in our state,” Strawn said. “Her victory places even more pressure on Senate Democrats to work with Republican leaders on reducing spending and increasing efficiency with the taxpayers’ dollars.”

Ernst said, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the people in Senate District 48 and appreciate the support of the voters.”

Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) said, “Joni was a great candidate who worked hard and I know she will do a tremendous job advocating for the interests of southwest Iowans in the Senate.”

Joni and Gail Ernst reside in Red Oak and share three daughters. She has served as the Auditor of Montgomery County since January 1, 2005. Joni has 18 years of service in the US Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard and she served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003-2004.

Senate District 48 covers seven counties in Southern Iowa including Montgomery, Adams, Taylor, Union, Ringgold, Clarke and Decatur.