U.S. Senate hopeful Hinson visits Freedom Rock

U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, running for U.S. Senate in the June 2026 midterm election primary, visited the Adair County Freedom Rock last Tuesday for a private meet-and-greet.

The Marion Republican who represents Iowa’s Second Congressional District, which covers 22 counties, is running for the Senate seat currently occupied by Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak who is not seeking re-election.

Hinson talked with Freedom Rock artist and State Representative Ray “Bubba” Sorensen and retired state representative Clel Baudler and others while here. She said she will be back in Adair County as her campaign continues heating up. She initiated her campaign in early September.

The congresswoman said her priority has always been to tell Iowans’ stories. She was first a journalist and often takes that approach into legislating.

“I need to get out, meet people all over the state and hear their stories and what matters to them,” she said. “The good news is that I’ve been working for Iowans’ priorities for almost 10 years now. I think they’re pretty simple — it’s about commonsense policies for commonsense people. That’s why conversations like these we had here today really matter.”

Hinson complimented Ernst, saying her story is one that “proves the American dream is real.” She said Ernst is “the epitome of service to her state and country,” pointing not only to her legislating but the service she gave in the military.

“My husband and I sat down and talked briefly when [Ernst said she wouldn’t seek re-election] and decided very quickly that I was ready to take on this fight,” Hinson said.

Hinson said this campaign is partly about making sure Republicans hold as many senate and congressional seats as possible, which would give President Donald Trump support he needs to carry out the priorities he has for the country. Hinson said these include low taxes, maintaining a safe country, keeping prices low for young families and protection of American energy.

The understanding she’s gained as a legislator at the state and federal level has helped Hinson with her ability to listen to peoples’ stories so she can help find a solution to problems is a benefit to her work as a congresswoman, Hinson said, and she is confident it will help her in the senate, if elected.

“The other thing is I’m not afraid to step up to the table and pursue a fight when we need to. I’ve proven that on different issues, whether it’s Iowa agriculture or keeping our country safe at the southern border,” Hinson said. “I know I’m qualified and I’m ready to take it on. At the heart of it all, I’m a mama bear who wants to make sure we’re preserving this country for my 14- and 12-year-old because they’re the next generation.”

Other Republicans running for this same seat are Jim Carlin, a former state senator from Sioux City and Joshua Smith, former vice chairman of the Libertarian National Committee.

Democrats on tap for the primary are former state representative Bob Krause of Burlington, Des Moines School Board chairwoman Jackie Norris, KNIA market director Nathan Sage of Knoxville, former wheelchair basketball player and state representative Josh Turek of Council Bluffs and state senator Zach Wahls of Coralville.