Hinson and Turek square off in first Iowa Senate debate
Rep. Ashley Hinson and state Rep. Josh Turek debated for the first time in Iowa's Senate race. They discussed healthcare cuts, agriculture, the Iran war, and rising fuel costs, while also trading criticism over their records and attendance. The contest to replace retiring Sen. Joni Ernst is considered highly competitive and has drawn heavy advertising spending.
The candidates are vying for the seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. Hinson, 43, worked in broadcast journalism before entering politics in 2017; Turek, 47, is a state lawmaker and professional wheelchair basketball player. Their matchup is rated highly competitive by nonpartisan analysts, with roughly $90 million already spent on advertising, making it the sixth-costliest Senate race nationally.
This first general-election debate followed a contentious gubernatorial debate the previous evening. Both candidates called for ending the Iran war, pointing to fuel and agricultural costs. Turek cited his father’s Agent Orange exposure and his own spina bifida; Hinson opposed war-ending resolutions, warning of a rushed withdrawal and referencing the Abbey Gate attack.
The debate may shape how Iowa voters weigh health care, farm costs, fuel prices, and war policy before casting ballots. Because the race could help determine Senate control, national groups and advertisers may keep spending heavily, potentially amplifying these themes beyond Iowa. Voters in agricultural communities, patients, service members, and families facing higher costs could feel most directly affected by the candidates’ positions.