Trump, GOP Leaders Endorse Ashley Hinson Iowa Senate 2026

Republican Representative Ashley Hinson has quickly emerged as the frontrunner for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Iowa following the retirement announcement of Senator Joni Ernst. President Trump has given Hinson his "Complete and Total Endorsement," praising her as a "winner," a "loving wife and proud mother," and commending her efforts on job creation, tax cuts, border security, and support for American agriculture and the Second Amendment. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and NRSC chairman Tim Scott have also endorsed Hinson, signaling strong GOP unity behind her candidacy and suggesting she faces minimal opposition within the party. Hinson's campaign benefits from a significant Republican voter registration advantage in Iowa and has already raised $2.8 million. While she contends for the nomination with former state Senator Jim Carlin, Hinson has positioned herself as a key advocate for President Trump's America First agenda. Democratic leaders see the open seat as an opportunity but face a challenging environment due to the GOP's consolidated support for Hinson and the state's Republican voter edge.