Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek detailed their policy positions and levels of party alignment in separate interviews aired Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Both candidates in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race described instances where they would deviate from their national party platforms or work with the opposing administration. Hinson, who has previously pledged to be President Donald Trump’s "strongest ally," stated that her support is conditional on whether policies benefit Iowa, while Turek described himself as a "proud moderate" who praised the Trump administration's record on the border.
The race occurs in a state where Trump won the 2024 presidential election by 13 points, yet it is currently ranked as one of seven "toss ups" by The Cook Political Report. The contest has drawn national attention as high fuel costs and an ongoing military conflict in Iran influence the political environment. President Trump recently campaigned in the state, even as Hinson has expressed public disagreement with the administration’s assessment of the economy and a potential deal to lower sanctions against Russia.
Energy and trade have emerged as central points of contention. Hinson supports the use of the Defense Production Act to increase domestic energy but opposes sanctions relief for Russia, a position that contrasts with administration proposals to lower energy costs. Turek criticized the administration's trade tariffs and called for temporary suspensions of gas and diesel taxes to address inflation. Turek has raised $20.1 million for his campaign, including $2.1 million via ActBlue and support from VoteVets, while Hinson has raised $14.1 million, including more than $2.1 million from the Ashley Hinson Victory Committee and contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) PAC.
The outcome of this election will affect Iowa’s representation in the U.S. Senate and could shift the balance of power in the chamber. For Iowa residents, the candidates' disagreement on the "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed in July 2025 carries consequences for social services. This legislation implemented work requirements for Medicaid recipients and other federal beneficiaries, a change Hinson supported to prevent fraud but Turek has pledged to reverse. Turek has instead proposed legislation to cap insulin costs at $25 per month and expand dental access under Medicaid.
Economic shifts in the state are also tied to the candidates' differing views on trade. Hinson credits current tariff policies for a projected $15 billion Mesabi Metallic steel mill expected to be completed by 2030, which she states will create local jobs. Turek, citing past delays by the parent company Essar Group in Minnesota, remains skeptical of the project’s timeline.
The election also serves as a test of whether Democratic candidates can win statewide in Iowa for the first time since 2008. Voters are currently participating in early in-person voting, which continues through Nov. 1. On Election Day, polls in Iowa will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The final result will determine whether Iowa aligns with its 2024 presidential voting pattern or returns a Democrat to the Senate, potentially impacting future policy on Russia sanctions, Iran military involvement, and federal taxation on tips and Social Security.