Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026 following Sen. Joni Ernst’s decision not to seek re-election. Hinson emphasized her commitment to Iowans’ priorities, stating, “I continue to hear those every single day as I’m out in my congressional district and soon to be the entire state.” She framed her campaign as a mission to be “President Trump’s top ally in the United States Senate,” pledging to advance an “America First agenda” that she claims benefits Iowans.
Hinson outlined plans to visit all 99 Iowa counties this week, asserting, “I will make sure that we are delivering on that America First agenda in the United States Senate.” Her announcement followed Ernst’s statement that she would not pursue a third term after “a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection.” Hinson responded with praise for Ernst’s service, calling her “incredible” and “selfless.”
The race for the GOP Senate nomination includes former state lawmaker Jim Carlin and Joshua Smith, a former Libertarian candidate. Multiple Republican senators, including Katie Britt (AL), Jim Banks (IN), and Markwayne Mullin (OK), endorsed Hinson, highlighting her pro-life stance, support for the Second Amendment, and efforts to combat “waste, fraud, and abuse” in Washington. Banks stated she is “the conservative fighter we need in the Senate to advance President Trump’s agenda.”
Hinson has represented northeast Iowa since 2020, defeating Democrat Abby Finkenauer. Before her congressional career, she worked as a TV news anchor and served in the Iowa House. Her Senate bid leaves the 2nd Congressional District without a Republican incumbent, though Democrats Lindsay James, Clint Twedt-Ball, and Kathy Dolter have announced campaigns. The Cook Political Report rates the district a “solid Republican” seat, but a Democratic spokesperson criticized Hinson’s focus on “serving billionaires” over Iowans.