Iowa voters face a closely contested Senate race between Republican Representative Ashley Hinson and Democratic state representative Josh Turek, who is attempting to flip a seat currently held by Senator Joni Ernst.
Hinson has criticized Turek for missing 58 percent of House votes during the 2026 session, citing a record of 261 absences between January and May. The legislator received a tax‑free per diem of $201 for each of the 100 days the chamber was in session, totaling $20,100 for the year.
She argues that Turek’s absences were driven by attendance at fundraisers and other non‑legislative events, including a nonprofit event for veteran assistance. Hinson’s comments highlight the perceived disconnect between Turek’s voting record and his public appearances.
In response, Turek’s campaign has accused Hinson of similarly skipping votes, notably on the National Defense Authorization Act, and of using taxpayer funds to cover a luxury Washington, D.C., apartment. The campaign also pointed to Hinson’s own high attendance rate in the House, noting a 98.8 percent record.
Recent polling shows the race in a statistical tie, with Hinson trailing Turek 46 percent to 50 percent within the margin of error. The same survey reported a negative favorability rating for the former president in Iowa, at minus 13 points.
Hinson has emphasized her connection to ordinary voters, describing herself as a “minivan‑driving mom” and expressing a commitment to advocate for families in Washington. She has highlighted her experience in Congress and her focus on lowering costs for Iowa workers.
Iowa has not elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly twenty years, yet some analysts suggest that economic concerns and voter dissatisfaction could make the seat competitive. The campaign dynamics reflect broader national trends that influence midterm outcomes.
Both candidates remain in a tight race, with each underscoring the importance of attendance and representation as they prepare for the November election.
