After two high-profile Republicans announced they would not run for the U.S. Senate seat that Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, will vacate after next year, one member of the Iowa Legislature is considering a run.

“This is something I have been interested in but waited for the other candidates to make their decision,” said Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Red Oak. “Now that Lt. Gov. [Kim] Reynolds and Rep. [Tom] Latham, R-Iowa, have decided they’re not running, my interest is piquing more and more.”

Ernst said she would not run for the seat if Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, decided to run to replace the five-term senator. However, she would welcome any other primary challenge.

“I am open to a primary, and I want to make sure we have the right GOP candidate,” she said.