Trump dominates the Iowa Senate debate from afar
The candidates clashed over tariffs, gas prices and Social Security solvency as Trump’s policies shaped the debate.
- On Wednesday, Republican Representative Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek met for their first televised debate at the Iowa PBS studio in Johnston, with President Donald Trump campaigning in Texas looming over the competitive Senate race.
- Turek criticized Hinson for supporting "chaotic tariffs" and the war in Iran, policies he linked to rising costs for Iowa families; the Midwest Economic Policy Institute found tariffs raised Midwestern expenses by an average of $2,000 in 2025.
- Beyond disagreements, candidates agreed Congress must pass a farm bill for farmers; Hinson urged deporting "dangerous criminal" immigrants after claiming the border was "sealed," while Turek advocated for secure borders and citizenship pathways for those here legally.
- Turek proposed eliminating the $184,500 Social Security tax cap to ensure solvency, and alleged Hinson's family wealth increased 15-fold since entering Congress; Hinson attributed the growth to her husband's insurance business sale in 2021.
- Ranked as a "toss up" by the Cook Political Report, the race continues toward the Nov. 3 election, with the pair scheduled to meet again for a second debate in Des Moines.
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Hinson, Turek tangle in fierce final Iowa Senate debate
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R) and state Rep. Josh Turek (D) squared off in a heated second and final debate for the open Iowa Senate seat on Tuesday. The pair, who clashed in their first debate last week, are locked in a toss-up race for outgoing Sen. Joni Ernst’s (R) seat in the upper chamber. Election forecasters have moved the race in…
NRSC Statement Ahead of Iowa’s Senate Debate
If you are covering the Iowa Senate debate tonight, please consider this quote from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC): “Ashley Hinson has a proven record showing up to work and delivering for Iowa’s families, farms, and businesses. Unlike Josh Turek, who skipped nearly 60% of votes in Des Moines and fought to give government […]
Debate Night Iowa: Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek debate in U.S. Senate race
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowans heard from two of the candidates vying to represent them in the U.S. Senate during Tuesday's Debate Night Iowa, hosted by WHO 13. The debate between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek was civil but did contain some heated moments when the topic of Turek's absences from the Iowa [...]
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