Iowa state Representative JD Scholten, a Democrat, said the GOP senator's comments had "really hit home" with him.

Joni Ernst (R-IA) following her controversial remarks at a recent town hall. Ernst sparked outrage when she flippantly responded, "We're all going to die," to constituents voicing concerns over proposed Medicaid cuts.

J.D. Scholten, a state representative who is also a minor-league baseball pitcher, said he had felt compelled to take on Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican, after her defense of Medicaid cuts.