DES MOINES, Iowa —

Sen. Joni Ernst hinted at a potential re-election campaign during her visit to the Iowa State Fair Sunday.

“I don’t have my announcement today, but it will be coming soon,” Ernst said.

While she has yet to officially declare her candidacy, Ernst has taken steps suggesting a bid, including hiring a campaign manager, despite stating she would only serve two terms at a 2014 primary debate.

Five challengers have already entered the race, including Democrats J.D. Scholten, Nathan Sage, Jackie Norris and Zach Wahls, as well as Republicans Jim Carlin and Joshua Smith.

KCCI's political analyst Dennis Goldford attributes the wide range of candidates to earlier backlash over comments Ernst made in response to concerns about Medicaid cuts.

"One of the nationwide political re

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