In their first head-to-head matchup, Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democrat state Rep. Josh Turek clashed Wednesday night over the Iran war, health care, and their respective legislative records, as they vie for Iowa's open Senate seat.
The debate came as the race remains one of the most closely watched in the country, with nonpartisan analysts rating it a toss-up and advertising spending already exceeding $90 million. The contest will replace retiring Sen. Joni Ernst, and both candidates sought to cast themselves as independent-minded problem-solvers while painting the other as out of step with Iowans.
Iran War Dominates Early Exchanges
The conflict in Iran took center stage, with both candidates calling for an end to the war but disagreeing sharply on how to achieve that. Turek hammered Hinson for her early support of the conflict and President Trump's tariffs, which he argued have driven up costs for farmers facing record diesel prices and expensive fertilizer.
"We're looking at diesel prices being at an all-time high as our farmers are going into harvesting time," Turek said, adding that Iowa farmers tell him it hits their bottom lines. He drew a personal connection, referencing his father's exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, which led to Turek's spina bifida and wheelchair use.
Hinson, who has recently called for ending the war, cited the toll on American families and her teenage sons. "I don't want this to be a forever war," she said, expressing trust in the U.S. military to conclude it swiftly. When pressed on her votes against withdrawal resolutions, she argued that a rushed exit would endanger troops, pointing to the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal under President Biden that killed 13 service members, including an Iowan.
Bipartisan Credentials on Display
Both candidates leaned into their records of crossing party lines. Turek, running as a moderate, highlighted his work with Republicans in the statehouse and his agreement with Trump on tax-free tips and border security, while stopping short of endorsing the administration's enforcement tactics. He also said he has no interest in impeaching Trump, preferring to focus on lowering costs.
"I'm the only one up on this stage that has actually worked across the aisle to address immigration," Turek said, citing his vote to criminalize certain immigration violations. He added that those who enter illegally and commit violent crimes should be deported, but he supports a pathway to citizenship for those who came legally.
Hinson touted legislation she passed with Democrats, including maternal health and veterans' mental health bills signed by Biden. She said she would be Trump's ally when it helps Iowa but would push back when needed, noting her ability to work with Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi.
Records and Campaign Attacks
The debate also turned personal, with each candidate attacking the other's record. Hinson has repeatedly criticized Turek for missing numerous votes in the state legislature, a point she emphasized in campaign ads. Turek, in turn, went after Hinson's support for H.R. 1, the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill," which includes Medicaid cuts projected to leave over 11 million Americans uninsured by 2034.
The exchange underscored the high stakes of a race where control of the Senate could hinge on Iowa. With the midterm debate season heating up, both candidates are expected to continue their aggressive campaigning in the coming weeks.
The Iran war's impact on agricultural states like Iowa is a recurring theme in battleground races, as seen in other Senate debates. Hinson's and Turek's positions may resonate differently with Iowa's farming community, which is closely watching fuel and fertilizer costs.
As the race tightens, national attention is focused on Iowa, with Trump's midterm push and economic concerns weighing heavily on GOP candidates. The outcome could depend on which candidate convinces voters they can best address the issues that matter most to Iowans.
