President Donald Trump has formally endorsed Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson in her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst in 2026, as Fox News reports.
Hinson, who is serving her third term in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, enters the race with Trump’s backing and support from top Republican leaders as Democrats prepare their own slate of candidates.
The endorsement comes after Ernst, who made history in 2014 as the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, announced she would not seek another term. Ernst said her choice was made after prayer and reflection, describing it as a difficult decision. Hinson publicly thanked Ernst for her service, saying Iowa was stronger because of her leadership.
Hinson, a former television news anchor, officially launched her Senate campaign by positioning herself as a loyal ally of Trump. She declared she was running to be Trump’s strongest supporter in the chamber, underscoring her alignment with his agenda.
Trump praised Hinson in his endorsement statement, describing her as a winner, a dedicated wife, and a mother of two. He emphasized that she had consistently delivered results for Iowans and expressed confidence she would continue doing so as a senator.
In her response, Hinson said she was proud to stand with Trump and argued that Democrats lacked leadership and a clear vision, singling out figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
Support for Hinson’s bid has come quickly from Republican leadership. Senate Majority Leader John Thune described her as the type of conservative fighter needed in the upper chamber. NRSC chair Tim Scott also endorsed her, saying she was the kind of candidate who could deliver Trump’s agenda well into the future.
Several other Republicans have joined in, including Sens. Jim Banks, Katie Britt, and Markwayne Mullin, giving her campaign momentum early in the race. Scott also stressed the NRSC’s confidence that Iowa would elect another Republican to continue the state’s conservative trajectory.
Despite the endorsements, Hinson will face primary challengers. Former state Sen. Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith have also entered the race, highlighting that the GOP contest is still competitive.
Democrats, however, are critical of Hinson’s record in Congress. Maeve Coyle, communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, accused her of raising costs for Iowans. Coyle pointed to her votes on Medicaid, tariffs, insulin pricing, and Social Security as evidence of harmful policies.
Hinson dismissed the criticism as misinformation. She said such attacks were designed to distract from what she called the Democratic Party’s lack of leadership and clear message. She characterized Democrats' rhetoric as fearmongering rather than substantive debate.
On the Democratic Party side, several candidates are vying for the nomination. State Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls are among the five Democrats campaigning for the open seat, signaling a competitive primary contest ahead.
The Iowa seat has become even more significant as the state has shifted toward Republicans in recent election cycles. Trump won Iowa in both 2016 and 2020, making the state an important piece in the GOP’s strategy to maintain Senate control.
The combination of Trump’s endorsement and the NRSC’s full support has positioned Hinson as the frontrunner in the Republican primary. Her emphasis on aligning with Trump’s agenda resonates with the GOP base in Iowa, giving her an early advantage.
With Ernst stepping aside, the race is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate contests of the 2026 cycle. Both parties see it as crucial for shaping control of the chamber, ensuring that Iowa remains a political battleground even as it leans Republican.