U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst announces her divorce

Kelly McGowan | The Des Moines Register

Show Caption Hide Caption Full video: Sen. Joni Ernst meets with the Register editorial board Watch the full interview as Sen. Joni Ernst sits down for her first meeting with the Des Moines Register editorial board since she was elected in 2014.

Joni Ernst, a U.S. senator representing Iowa, announced Monday that she and her husband are divorcing.

The news came in a brief statement from her office.

“Senator Ernst and her husband, Gail, are in the process of divorcing," the statement read. "They remain committed to their children and family, and ask for respect for their privacy during this difficult time."

Ernst, a Republican, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014. She lives in Red Oak.