Hinson receives support from GOP leaders for Senate campaign in Iowa against Ernst

Hinson Kicks Off Senate Campaign with GOP Support

Hours before Iowa Representative Ashley Hinson began her statewide campaign to support GOP Senator Joni Ernst’s re-election, she received backing from key Senate Republicans. “The Senate needs conservative fighters, and that’s exactly what you get with Ashley Hinson,” noted Senator John Tune, who showed his support on Friday morning.

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, chair of the National Republican Senators Committee, also expressed confidence in Hinson’s candidacy. During a digital interview with Fox News, Hinson emphasized her pride in association with former President Donald Trump.

Hinson’s Campaign Focused on Conservative Values

Hinson, born and raised in West Des Moines, launched her Senate bid to ensure Ernst’s continued success in Iowa. She remarked, “Iowa has a common-sense approach. I don’t want to see Iowa look like California. I want our country to reflect Iowa.” She emphasized her belief that the state was on the right track.

Once a battleground for former President Barack Obama, Iowa has shifted to the right in recent elections, with Trump winning by increasingly larger margins in 2016, 2020, and 2022. Currently, Republicans hold both Senate seats, as well as all four Congressional Districts in Iowa.

Despite a surge of energy among Iowa Democrats following recent special elections, Hinson believes Trump’s support could bolster her Senate campaign.

Leveraging Trump’s Influence

“If you look at the messages we put out, they resonate with what Iowans voted for last election,” Hinson stated, noting Trump’s solid victory. She recalled that she increased her home district’s votes for him by 15 points last November, saying, “We’re doing what we heard on the campaign trail—they wanted lower taxes.” She praised the president’s commitment to conservative policies, linking it to the domestic policy bill he signed that summer.

Hinson acknowledged the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee’s plans to target her following her candidacy announcement. The DSCC’s communications director, Maebekoyle, accused her of making life difficult for Iowans by voting to cut Medicaid, jeopardize Social Security, and oppose measures that would lower insulin costs.

In response, Hinson rebuffed these assertions, claiming, “I think they’re misinformed at best,” and decried the left’s fear tactics, suggesting they lack a real leader beyond figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Engaging with Constituents Amid Pushback

Hinson has conducted numerous town hall meetings, where she faced mixed reactions—everything from enthusiasm to hostility over her stance on various GOP initiatives. “I think it’s crucial to be open and accessible. I will engage with Iowans wherever and whenever,” she asserted.

However, she also noted the challenges she faced, as some attendees seemed more interested in creating viral moments than in constructive dialogue. “Unfortunately, people often just want to stand there and scream,” she reflected.

Democratic Competition in Iowa

No serious challengers have emerged in the GOP primary for Hinson. Meanwhile, five Democrats, including State Representative Josh Turek and State Senator Zack Worles, are already in the race for the Senate seat.

Senator Ernst recently announced she would not seek re-election in 2026, which drew attention due to her past campaign successes, including her memorable “Make ’em Squeal” ads when she first won her Senate seat in 2014. “I feel proud that I was the Iowans’ first female combat veteran in the U.S. Senate,” she said while reflecting on her tenure.