DES MOINES, Iowa – After Ashley Hinson dropped off her boys at school earlier this month, she saw the initials “DJT” flash on her phone.
“’Ashley, it’s your favorite president,’” Iowa’s Republican nominee for U.S. Senate recently recounted to an audience of her supporters. “That’s how he introduced himself.”
During a heated debate with her Democratic opponent, Josh Turek, Hinson made it clear that while she would support President Trump on issues important to Iowa, she would also not hesitate to push back when necessary. “I’ll be President Trump’s ally when it is important for Iowa, but I will push back on him,” she promised, indicating a careful balancing act that many Republican candidates are attempting in this election cycle.
Iowans have been grappling with significant challenges, including manufacturing job losses, health care clinic closures, and shrinking farm profits since Trump took office again. Hinson’s strategy is to attract Trump’s loyal base while addressing the concerns that have arisen under his policies.
On Thursday, Hinson will join Trump for a rally in Sioux City, a conservative stronghold in Iowa. This event aims to galvanize turnout, even as it ties her more closely to a president whose popularity has waned among some voters. “I will be there at the rally to welcome him to Iowa because I think this is a contrast election,” Hinson stated during a recent appearance on Fox News. “There was never a good time to elect a tax-and-spend liberal to the United States Senate, but now would be the worst time.”
The political landscape is further complicated by Turek’s position. He has publicly criticized Trump’s tariffs and foreign policy, asserting they have adversely affected Iowans more than in other states. He characterized Hinson as a rubber stamp for Trump’s unfavorable policies, creating a clear contrast in their campaign narratives.
Interestingly, Hinson’s rhetoric has evolved since she launched her campaign. Initially, she embraced Trump’s endorsement, aiming to be his “top ally” in the Senate. However, her recent statements reflect a shift towards positioning herself as “Iowa’s best bipartisan fighter.” Polling data from late September and early October suggests that this approach may resonate with approximately 10% of voters who disapprove of Trump, while still appealing to his loyal supporters.
For instance, in August, Hinson publicly criticized Trump’s proposal to increase beef imports, arguing it would harm Iowa farmers. Additionally, while she did not join her colleagues in voting against Trump’s military actions in Iran, she later remarked that the conflict’s costs were unsustainable for Americans, advocating for a swift resolution.
More recently, Hinson voiced her disapproval of Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russia, emphasizing the need to ensure that “dictators aren’t allowed to win wars.” She reiterated her stance that while she shares the goal of reducing costs for working families, engaging in deals with hostile nations is not the answer.
Meanwhile, Turek has also attempted to appeal to voters by emphasizing bipartisanship, including a willingness to work alongside Trump on immigration reform—an issue of significant concern for many Iowa residents. His campaign ads are notable for being the only ones from a federal candidate in Iowa that directly mention Trump, highlighting his strategy to connect with both moderate voters and Trump’s base.
As the midterms approach, Iowa’s Senate race is drawing substantial attention and financial backing. Ad spending on broadcast and cable television has surpassed $200 million this cycle, with Republicans outspending Democrats in support of Hinson, a reversal from the previous election cycle.
Concerns about voter turnout among conservatives persist, with some Republican activists fearing complacency may hinder engagement. Kelley Koch, an Iowa Republican activist, expressed frustration over a sense of complacency among party loyalists, stating, “They say, ‘Why are you all hyped up about the midterms? Trump will take care of everything.’”
As the stakes rise in this competitive political climate, the impact of Trump’s visits and endorsements will likely play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of the upcoming elections, influencing not only the Senate race but also broader Republican efforts across the state.
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Associated Press reporter Aaron Kessler in Washington contributed to this report.
