Iowa Senate Candidates Face Scrutiny Over Voting Records

Iowa Senate candidates, Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek, are under scrutiny for their voting attendance records as they campaign for the Republican seat vacated by retiring Senator Joni Ernst. This seat is one of the most competitive races in the current election cycle. Recent polls indicate a close contest between Democrat Josh Turek, an Iowa state representative, and Republican Ashley Hinson, a U.S. representative, as the election approaches.

Candidate Criticisms on Attendance

Both candidates have exchanged criticisms over various topics, with attendance records becoming a focal point. In early September, Hinson criticized Turek regarding his participation in votes at the Iowa Statehouse. Through her social media, she alleged that Turek missed 58% of votes during the recent session. Hinson argued that Turek’s absenteeism undermined key legislative decisions, highlighting his alleged support for policies like welfare benefits for illegal immigrants and education policies about gender identity, which she claims are unsuitable for Iowa.

Hinson continued her critique by mentioning Turek’s absence from the vote to initiate the MEGA program, which aimed to bring the largest U.S. steel plant to Iowa. She emphasized the importance of such decisions for job creation.

Response from Turek’s Team

Turek’s campaign countered the criticisms, defending his record as a bipartisan legislator. They claimed he has collaborated with Republicans on significant issues, such as lowering taxes and costs for safety improvements. Turek’s campaign labeled Hinson as the least bipartisan member of Iowa’s Congressional delegation and highlighted her missed votes in Congress, including votes on laws against AI child pornography.

Attendance Records Examination

Fact-checking by Politifact confirmed that Turek missed 261 of 445 votes, equaling 58%, during the Iowa Statehouse session from January to April. While his absences in 2025 were notably lower, his overall attendance since January 2023 stands at 81%. On the other hand, since 2021, Hinson has missed 163 committee votes and 33 floor votes in Congress, with some absences attributed to illness.

Iowa Midterm Election Timeline

The midterm election date is November 3, with early voting starting October 14 and ending November 2.

Latest Polling Data

Recent polling results reveal a tight race. A Rasmussen Reports poll places Turek ahead by 4 points, while a Fox News poll gives him a slight lead over Hinson. Other polls, such as those by Quantus Insights and InsiderAdvantage, show mixed results with marginal differences.

Developments in Candidate Campaigns

The candidates continue their critiques on social media. Hinson announced her intention to introduce legislation for tax relief, accusing Turek of plans to reverse such measures. Turek responded with attacks on Hinson’s financial interests, suggesting she prioritizes personal wealth over Iowa’s interests.

Significance of the Iowa Senate Race

The Iowa Senate race is critical in the 2026 midterms, potentially affecting Senate control. A Turek victory could demonstrate a shift in voter preferences in Iowa, signaling openness to Democratic candidates after multiple Republican victories, including those for former President Trump. This race could provide insights into voter sentiment ahead of the 2028 general election.