Republicans have selected Rep. Ashley Hinson as their nominee in Iowa’s closely watched Senate race, setting up a November showdown to replace retiring Sen. Joni Ernst.
Hinson defeated former state Sen. Jim Carlin in Tuesday’s GOP primary, according to The Associated Press.
A former television news anchor and current congresswoman, Hinson entered the race with backing from President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and Ernst.
Following her victory, Hinson thanked supporters across the state.
“It has been working Iowans from all 99 counties – and I’ve visited every single one of them – who powered this campaign and delivered a resounding victory tonight,” she said in a statement.
Hinson also pledged to focus on lowering costs, combating corruption, and taking on major pharmaceutical and insurance companies.
The race is expected to draw national attention as Republicans work to defend their Senate majority.
Iowa has become increasingly Republican in recent years, with Trump carrying the state by double digits in the 2024 election. Republicans currently hold both Senate seats, all four congressional districts, and nearly every statewide office.
Democrats, however, believe the open seat gives them an opportunity in a challenging midterm environment for the party in power.
Hinson will face Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, in the general election. Turek won a competitive Democratic primary over state Sen. Zach Wahls.
After Turek’s victory, Senate Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand praised his record and argued that the seat is competitive.
Republicans quickly pushed back, with National Republican Senatorial Committee spokeswoman Samantha Cantrell accusing Democrats of trying to install a candidate who would support their “radical tax-and-spend agenda.”
The contest now moves to the general election, where both parties are expected to invest heavily in one of Iowa’s most important races in years.
