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U.S. Senate

Ashley Hinson (R) faces Josh Turek (D) in an open-seat race after Sen. Joni Ernst declined to seek reelection.

About the Office

A U.S. Senator represents the entire state of Iowa in the United States Senate, serving a six-year term. Iowa has two senators, who together are two of 100 votes on federal legislation, treaties, and Supreme Court and federal agency confirmations.

U.S. Senators help decide federal laws, federal spending, federal taxes, and who serves on the federal bench and in cabinet positions. Senators also conduct oversight of federal agencies and handle constituent casework with federal programs like Social Security, Medicare, and the VA.

Race at a Glance

Race Type
Open Seat
Term Length
6 Years
Trump Endorsed
Hinson (R)
Election Day
Nov 3, 2026

Sen. Joni Ernst announced she would not seek a third term. Ashley Hinson, the current IA-2 U.S. Representative, won the Republican nomination with Trump's endorsement. Josh Turek, an Iowa state representative and two-time Paralympic gold medalist, won the Democratic nomination.

The Iowa U.S. Senate Voter Quiz

A non-partisan quiz comparing your views on key federal issues to the sourced positions of Ashley Hinson (R) and Josh Turek (D). Each question includes context to help you reflect on where you stand and who you most align with, regardless of party.

The Candidates

Each candidate's positions are drawn from primary sources: campaign communications, voting records, debates, and direct interviews.

Ashley Hinson (R)

Republican nominee · U.S. Representative, IA-2 (current)

Bio

Born in 1983 in Des Moines. Raised in Marion, Iowa. Graduated from the University of Southern California. Married to Matt Hinson; two sons. Currently serves as U.S. Representative for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District.

Career

Former television news anchor at KCRG-TV9 in Cedar Rapids for over a decade. Elected to the Iowa House in 2017. Elected to U.S. House in 2020, defeating incumbent Abby Finkenauer. Re-elected in 2022 and 2024. Trump-endorsed for U.S. Senate in 2025.

Primary Issues
Border Security & Immigration Enforcement

Strong supporter of federal border enforcement and expanded deportation. Voted for federal funding to expand ICE operations and border barriers.

Tax Cuts & Trump Tariffs

Voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act extending Trump-era tax cuts. Voted to support Trump tariffs four times.

Federal School Vouchers

Strongly supports federal school choice programs and ESA-style vouchers at the federal level.

Position on Turek's Priority Issues
$15 Federal Minimum Wage

Opposes raising the federal minimum wage to $15.

Codifying Roe v. Wade

Opposes federal codification of abortion rights. Cosponsor of the Life at Conception Act.

Restoring ACA Premium Subsidies

Opposes restoring the ACA premium subsidies eliminated in the 2025 reconciliation bill.

Endorsements
  • President Donald Trump
  • Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
  • National Republican Senatorial Committee

Josh Turek (D)

Democratic nominee · Iowa State Representative · Paralympic gold medalist

Bio

Born in 1979 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Has used a wheelchair since infancy due to spina bifida. Two-time Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair basketball (2008, 2016). Currently serves in the Iowa House. Married to immigrant wife; lives in Council Bluffs.

Career

Professional wheelchair basketball player and coach. Disability rights advocate. Elected to the Iowa House in 2022, flipping a Republican-held seat. Endorsed by former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, principal author of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Primary Issues
$15 Federal Minimum Wage

Strongly supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Restoring ACA Premium Subsidies

Strongly supports restoring the ACA premium subsidies eliminated by the 2025 reconciliation bill.

Codifying Roe v. Wade

Strongly supports federal legislation codifying abortion rights nationwide.

Position on Hinson's Priority Issues
Trump Tariffs

Strongly opposes Trump tariffs; argues they raise costs for Iowa families and farmers.

Federal School Vouchers

Strongly opposes federal voucher programs; supports federal investment in public schools.

Border Security

Supports comprehensive immigration reform with both enforcement and pathways to legal status; opposes mass deportation.

Endorsements
  • Former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)
  • Iowa Democratic Party

Also on the Ballot

Independent and minor-party candidates who qualify for the November ballot will be listed here as the Iowa Secretary of State certifies the final candidate list.

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