JUST IN: GOP Rep. Launches Senate Bid

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) announced that she will be launching a bid for U.S. Senate to replace the retiring Joni Ernst, who held firm on her decision to not seek re-election despite President Trump urging her to reconsider.

“I am running for the United States Senate,” Hinson said during an appearance on a popular Iowa talk show on Monday. Hinson — a former television news anchor who is in her third term representing the Hawkeye State’s Second Congressional District — appealed to her support for President Trump when announcing her candidacy.

“I’m running to be President Trump’s top ally in the United States Senate,” she said. “I’m proud to fight alongside him.”

The congresswoman’s announcement came just a few hours after Ernst confirmed that she will not be seeking re-election in 2026. “Having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support, now as our family ages and grows, it’s time for me to get back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking re-election in 2026,” the two-term senator announced in a video statement.

Ernst, a retired Army Reserve officer and Iraq War veteran, replaced longtime Democrat Senator Tom Harkin in 2014 after he announced his retirement. She referenced the high-profile race in her formal retirement video, saying “”11 years ago, Iowans elected me as the first female combat veteran to the U.S. Senate, and they did so with a mission in mind – to make Washington squeal. And I’m proud to say we have delivered. We’ve cut waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government.”

Hinson thanked Ernst for her service to the state, as well as their personal friendship, in her announcement video. “Iowa is better off thanks to your selfless service,” she said.

While speaking with Iowa radio host Simon Conway, Hinson listed her priorities as “secure borders, keeping men out of girls’ sports, cutting taxes for our working families, standing up for Iowa agriculture and helping our young Iowans who are trying to buy a house and start a family.” The congresswoman also vowed to campaign in all of Iowa’s 99 counties, starting this Friday.

Iowa has shifted well to the right after once being viewed as a battleground state. After former President Barack Obama managed to carry it in 2008 and 2012, President Trump has comfortably won in the following three cycles, culminating in a whopping 13-point victory in 2024.

Still, Democrats are confident that the race will be competitive after flipping two Iowa State Senate seats in special elections. “An open seat in Iowa is just the latest example of Democrats expanding the senatorial map,” Lauren French, spokesperson for the Democrat-aligned Senate Majority PAC, said in a statement.

Republicans are confident that they will carry the state regardless of who the eventual Republican candidate will be. “The NRSC is confident Iowans will elect a Republican to continue fighting for them and championing President Trump’s agenda in 2026,” said current NRSC chair Tim Scott (R-SC).