Iowa Senator Joni Ernst announced that she would vote for Pete Hegseth to become Defense Secretary, making his path to Senate confirmation much easier.

Iowa's Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst said Tuesday she will vote to confirm Pete Hegseth to lead the U.S. Department of Defense, ending weeks of speculation about whether she would stand in opposition to President-elect Donald Trump.

GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she "cannot in good conscience" support Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, and she and Sen. Susan Collins voted "no" on his nomination in a procedural vote.

Sen. Joni Ernst’s support is a huge boost to Hegseth’s prospects, all but assuring his confirmation as defense secretary barring twists in the GOP-led Senate.

Though new reports on the former Fox & Friends co-host’s behavior have emerged, he’s likely to be confirmed as Defense secretary this week.

Joni Ernst had been seen as a key hurdle to Pete Hegseth’s confirmation. She approached her questions firmly but without confrontation Tuesday.

Ernst, an Army veteran and rape survivor, had previously expressed concerns over Hegseth’s past comments about women in combat roles and the allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against

The Iowa Republican’s decision dramatically increases the likelihood that Mr. Hegseth will have enough votes to be confirmed as President-elect Donald J. Trump’s defense secretary.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Iowa Senator Joni Ernst could be the key to securing Pete Hegseth’s path to Secretary of Defense. But the Trump-nominated veteran and former TV host has no shortage of controversy in his past. As for Ernst, there are number of reasons why her vote could be the difference.

Two Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, broke ranks and voted against nominating Hegseth.

GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, a key vote on Pete Hegseth's confirmation as secretary of defense, said Tuesday she is supporting his nomination.