Hinson gets GOP leadership backing for Iowa Senate race against Ernst

EXCLUSIVE: Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson Receives Endorsement from Senate Majority Leader John Thune

Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson of Iowa received a major endorsement from Senate Majority Leader John Thune as she kicks off her campaign to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Joni Ernst. Thune praised Hinson as a conservative fighter who will deliver President Trump’s agenda in the Senate.

Hinson, who is running to represent Iowa in the Senate, has also received the backing of Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). Scott lauded Hinson as the fighter that the Hawkeye State needs to continue Trump’s agenda.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Hinson expressed her pride in standing with President Trump and her commitment to conservative values. She emphasized the importance of preserving Iowa’s common-sense approach and preventing the state from resembling California.

As Iowa trends towards the right, with Trump winning the state by significant margins in recent elections, Hinson sees her support for the president as an asset in the Senate race. She highlighted her track record of delivering on campaign promises, including lower taxes and economic policies that benefit the working class.

Despite facing criticism from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Hinson remains focused on her message of conservative leadership and support for Trump’s policies. She dismissed the DSCC’s accusations as misinformation and fearmongering, and expressed confidence that Iowans will reject the left’s agenda.

As she embarks on her campaign journey, Hinson is committed to engaging with constituents and addressing their concerns. She has already conducted dozens of public town hall meetings, where she has faced disruptions and tough questions from constituents. Despite the challenges, Hinson remains steadfast in her commitment to transparency and accessibility.

With the support of Senate Majority Leader Thune and the NRSC, Hinson is poised to make a strong bid for the Senate seat in Iowa. As she continues to campaign across the state, she remains focused on delivering on her promises to Iowans and upholding conservative values in the Senate. Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa made headlines on Tuesday when she announced that she would not be seeking re-election in the 2026 midterms. This decision has sparked a flurry of activity among potential candidates in the race to succeed her.

Already, two prominent Republicans, Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith, have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to secure the party’s nomination. On the Democratic side, five candidates have already announced their intentions to run for Senate in Iowa. Among them are state Rep. Josh Turek, a Paralympian wheelchair basketball player, state Sen. Zach Wahls, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce executive director Nathan Sage, and Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris.

Ernst first rose to national prominence in 2014 with her memorable “make ’em squeal” ads during her successful Senate campaign in Iowa. In a statement regarding her decision not to seek re-election, Ernst highlighted her accomplishments in cutting waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.

Fellow Republican and Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson expressed admiration for Ernst, calling her a friend and a leader. She also expressed a desire to campaign alongside Ernst in the future.

As the race for Iowa’s Senate seat heats up, all eyes will be on the candidates vying to fill Ernst’s shoes. With a mix of experienced politicians and newcomers in the running, the 2026 Senate race in Iowa is shaping up to be an exciting and closely watched contest.

This article was rewritten by Paul Steinhauser, a politics reporter based in New Hampshire, covering the campaign trail from coast to coast.