(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has moved up one rung on the Senate G-O-P leadership ladder, to the number four position.  “I am very excited to be moving forward now with this new team,” Ernst said. Ernst’s colleagues have elected her chair of the Republican Policy Committee, after what have been described as tense meetings of Senate Republicans this week. Ernst is promising to foster collaboration.

“We heard a lot about that over the past several days,” Ernst said, “so we want to make sure that all of our voices are heard and their ideas are presented fairly.” Senate Republicans reelected Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell as their minority leader. However, after disappointing G-O-P results last week, McConnell faced opposition for the first time since 2007. Ernst will be developing the G-O-P’s message for 2024.

“As we move, of course, into the next election cycle, I know the American people will hear our message,” Ernst said, “and it will resonate with them.” Ernst remains the top-ranking woman among G-O-P leadership. She’s been vice chair of the Senate Republican Conference for the past four years.