Takeaways From the First Iowa Senate Debate
The candidates sparred over Trump’s influence and Social Security changes as Cook Political Report rates the race a Toss Up.
- On Wednesday, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek debated in the competitive Iowa Senate race to replace retiring Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a contest currently rated as a toss-up.
- Donald Trump's political shadow loomed over the debate, with Hinson aiming to maintain base loyalty while distancing herself from his unpopularity, while Turek sought to criticize the former president's policies without explicitly naming him.
- Hinson suggested phasing in an increase to the retirement age, currently 62, and creating Treasury Department-backed accounts for younger Americans, whereas Turek opposed changing the retirement age and advocated for lifting the $184,500 wage base cap on Social Security taxes.
- Turek claimed tariffs and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are "hurting Iowans in a unique way," while Hinson countered by labeling Turek an "East Coast liberal" and pointing to President Joe Biden's management of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
- Turek pledged to "do the full Grassley," visiting all 99 Iowa counties like Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, while Hinson expressed willingness to work with Democratic leadership if necessary as both candidates focused on November's Senate midterms.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Ashley Hinson Denies Her Husband Is a ‘Shadow Lobbyist’
Josh Turek briefly made an issue of Rep. Ashley Hinson’s husband during a debate by saying he is “operating as a shadow lobbyist.” (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP)Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson pushed back on the suggestion by Democrat Josh Turek at the Iowa Senate debate on Wednesday that her husband is a “shadow lobbyist.”Hinson, who is running for Senate against Turek, and her husband, Matt Arenholz, are deeply connected to the insurance ind…
Turek tries to tie Hinson to Medicaid cuts in crucial Iowa Senate race
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa’s Democratic Senate nominee Josh Turek slammed Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) during their first debate by highlighting Hinson’s role in passing Republican cuts to Medicaid spending through last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Turek emphasized several times during the debate that Hinson voted in favor of a $1 trillion reduction […]
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Takeaways from the first Iowa Senate debate
By Eric Bradner, CNN (CNN) — Donald Trump’s shadow looms over every contest in November’s midterm elections — but on an Iowa debate stage Wednesday night, the president’s name was rarely mentioned. The two candidates battling for Iowa’s Senate seat, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek, kept their sometimes sharp disagreements
NRSC Statement on Iowa Senate Debate
Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek are set to face off tonight in the first of two debates. If you are covering the event, please consider this quote from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC): “While Ashley Hinson has a proven record fighting for Iowa’s families, farms, and businesses, Josh Turek skipped nearly 60% of votes […]
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