Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson Announces 2026 Senate Run After Ernst Retirement

U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson has announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Joni Ernst, who declared she will not seek reelection in 2026. Hinson, a two-term congresswoman from Iowa’s 2nd District and former television anchor, is positioning herself as a strong ally of President Trump and a proponent of the America First agenda. She emphasizes priorities such as border security, support for Iowa farmers, and tax cuts for working families, pledging to continue fighting conservative values in the Senate. The open Senate seat, combined with Governor Kim Reynolds also not running for reelection, signals a significant political shift in Iowa, likely attracting competitive races and national attention. Several Democrats and Republicans have already announced their candidacies for the Senate seat, with the primary set for June 2026 and the general election in November 2026. Hinson's entry reshapes Iowa's political landscape, as she aims to succeed Ernst and leverage her strong fundraising and political ties to GOP leadership.