Iowa Senate Showdown: Democrat J.D. Scholten Challenges Joni Ernst After Medicaid Controversy
Key Takeaways:
- J.D. Scholten, a former baseball player, is running against Sen. Joni Ernst.
- Ernst’s comment about Medicaid cuts caused widespread anger.
- Scholten faces a tough race in a state that leans Republican.
- Medicaid cuts in Trump’s budget could hurt millions of people.
- Scholten hopes to win over voters by focusing on healthcare and fairness.
A New Challenger Steps Up
Iowa State Representative J.D. Scholten is throwing his hat into the ring to challenge Republican Senator Joni Ernst. The decision comes after Ernst made controversial remarks at a recent town hall meeting. When asked about proposed Medicaid cuts, Ernst responded flippantly, saying, “We’re all going to die.” Her comment sparked outrage, especially among those who rely on the program.
For Scholten, Ernst’s remarks were the final push he needed to run. “I just felt, you know, I have to do this,” he said. “Now’s the time, and rather than being perfect with everything, I just feel like you got to do it.”
A Tough Road Ahead
Scholten, a 45-year-old Democrat, is no stranger to tough races. In 2018, he came close to unseating controversial former Rep. Steve King, but ultimately lost. This time, he’s aiming higher—taking on a sitting U.S. Senator in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008. Iowa also heavily supported Donald Trump in the last election, giving him a 13-point margin.
Despite these challenges, Scholten sees an opportunity. He believes Republicans are vulnerable on healthcare, especially with proposed Medicaid cuts in President Trump’s latest budget. The plan, which Trump called “big and beautiful,” would slash federal Medicaid spending by at least $600 billion over 10 years. It would also cut enrollment by about 10.3 million people. At the same time, the budget would increase federal deficits by over $1 trillion, even when accounting for economic growth.
A Fight Over Fairness
Scholten is seizing on the Medicaid issue to paint Ernst and Republicans as out of touch with everyday Iowans. He accused Ernst of disrespecting people who depend on Medicaid. “We’re taking people off Medicaid so billionaires can have a second yacht, so they can have a bigger tax break,” he said. “We have a system that’s geared toward and favors billionaires and huge multinational corporations, and that’s not working for most of Iowa.”
For Scholten, this race is about fairness. He believes the current system prioritizes the wealthy over working families. By focusing on issues like healthcare and taxes, he hopes to win over voters who feel left behind by Republican policies.
Can Scholten Win Over Trump Voters?
Scholten knows courting Trump voters won’t be easy, but he’s optimistic. “I firmly believe that when you get out there to the people, prove you’re trustworthy, you’re gonna earn votes no matter who the folks are,” he said.
His strategy is simple: listen to voters, show up in every corner of the state, and build trust. Scholten’s campaign will focus on issues like healthcare, education, and jobs—topics that resonate with both Democrats and Republicans.
The Bigger Picture
This Senate race isn’t just about Iowa. It’s part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. Senate. If Scholten can pull off an upset, it could help Democrats gain ground in a chamber currently controlled by Republicans. It’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened in politics.
For now, all eyes are on Iowa. Can Scholten capitalize on Ernst’s misstep and growing concerns over Medicaid cuts? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this race will be one to watch.