Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson has stepped into the race for Iowa's U.S. Senate seat amid endorsements from top GOP figures, including former President Donald Trump, Fox News reported.
With Trump's endorsement, Hinson emerges as a key contender to maintain the Republican hold on the seat currently occupied by Sen. Joni Ernst.Rep. Ashley Hinson, now in her third term representing Iowa's 2nd Congressional District, declared her candidacy following Sen. Joni Ernst’s announcement that she would not seek re-election after serving two terms.
Ernst cited personal reflection and prayer as reasons for her decision.
Endorsements for Hinson came pouring in shortly after her campaign launch, notably from Donald Trump, who praised her as a "WINNER" and a staunch ally for Iowa. This endorsement was made public on a Friday, signaling strong Republican support for her candidacy.
Additional backing came from Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, affirming her prominent position in the GOP primary race. Thune commended Hinson as a "conservative fighter," essential for the Senate.
Hinson faces competition within the GOP from former state Sen. Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith, but her high-profile endorsements have set her apart early in the race.
In response to her campaign announcement, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee was quick to criticize, pointing to Hinson's past decisions, which they argue have negatively impacted Iowans. Democrats are feeling energized by recent state Senate special election victories and are fielding five candidates for the Senate spot.
Hinson's campaign platform focuses on conservative priorities such as secure borders, tax cuts for working families, support for agriculture, and making housing more affordable for young families. She expressed these priorities during a radio interview, emphasizing her commitment to Iowa's young and agricultural communities.
Addressing the criticism from Democrats, Hinson remarked that it was misplaced and indicated a lack of substantive messaging on their part. She accused the left of fearmongering and suggested that Iowans would reject their approach.
According to NRSC chair Sen. Tim Scott, Hinson is the right candidate to carry forward Trump’s agenda, asserting that her proven track record in Iowa positions her well for the Senate role. Scott’s confidence reflects the broader GOP strategy to retain control in pivotal states like Iowa.
The endorsement from Trump presented Hinson as a devoted mother, wife, and a diligent representative who has consistently delivered for Iowa, reinforcing her appeal to family-oriented voters and conservatives alike.
Maeve Coyle, the communications director for the DSCC, however, painted a different picture. She suggested that the Republicans faced difficulty in persuading Ernst to run again and argued that Hinson's policies might not resonate with the broader electorate due to their impact on costs and living conditions in Iowa.
With a vigorous campaign plan, Hinson intends to visit all 99 counties in Iowa, starting her tour with an event on Friday. This move is aimed at solidifying her outreach to the entire state and securing grassroots support.
Trump's characterizations of Hinson as a pragmatic and charismatic leader have bolstered her image among Republican constituents. His statement emphasized her unconditional dedication to Iowa’s values and her potential effectiveness in the Senate.
As the political landscape in Iowa prepares for the 2026 elections, Hinson's campaign under the endorsement of influential Republican leaders showcases a significant effort to maintain GOP supremacy in a shifting political environment.
