Republicans are quickly falling in line behind Ashley Hinson, the Iowa representative running to replace Sen. Joni Ernst in the red-leaning state.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott on Friday endorsed Hinson, who announced her campaign earlier this week. Hours later, Hinson also earned President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
“Having traveled Iowa with Ashley, I know she is the fighter the Hawkeye State needs to deliver President Trump’s agenda in 2026 and beyond,” Scott (R-S.C.) said in a statement. “Iowans are all-in for Ashley Hinson, and that’s why the NRSC and I are proud to stand with my friend, a proven conservative and staunch Trump ally.”
Though Iowa is not one of the top pickup opportunities for Democrats this year, the party hopes it could be in play as Democrats need to net four seats to flip the Senate. Avoiding a competitive GOP primary could help stave off the opportunity for a Democratic pickup.
In addition to Thune and Scott, Senate Leadership Fund — the super PAC linked to GOP leadership — also said it would be backing Hinson.
Hinson hopped in the race the same day Ernst, who served two terms in the Senate, announced she would retire. Hinson has been viewed as a potential Ernst successor, who despite indicating last year she would run for reelection has faced several setbacks in recent months.
The former TV news anchor is a strong fundraiser and seen as a rising star in the party. She reported $2.8 million in her campaign coffers earlier in the year.
“We need conservative fighters in the Senate — and that’s exactly what we’ll get with Ashley Hinson,” Thune said in a statement. “Ashley has been a fierce advocate of President Trump’s America First agenda and has been instrumental in delivering big wins in the House for Iowans and the American people.”
