Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion made a campaign stop in Ida Grove yesterday afternoon, hosting a meet-and-greet at The Farmacy as she seeks the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.
Hinson has represented Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District since 2021, covering northeast Iowa counties including Linn, Dubuque, and Black Hawk. Now she’s aiming for statewide office, running to succeed Sen. Joni Ernst, who announced last fall she will not seek reelection after two terms.
Hinson told Storm Lake Radio her campaign is focused on aligning closely with President Trump’s agenda, particularly on border security and protecting Iowa families.
She explained what being Trump’s “top ally” in the Senate would mean for Iowans.
Hinson also addressed recent controversy involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota, saying ICE must be allowed to carry out its mission without interference.
That legislation, known as the Protect and Respect ICE Act, was introduced last fall by Hinson and several Republican colleagues. It would double criminal penalties for assaulting, resisting, or impeding ICE officers, a response to what lawmakers say is a sharp rise in attacks on immigration agents nationwide. Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri is leading the Senate version of the bill.
Hinson says the measure is about ensuring ICE agents can safely enforce immigration laws and remove dangerous offenders from communities. She argues that protecting ICE is directly tied to protecting Iowa families.
Joining Hinson in the race to succeed Sen. Ernst are several contenders from both parties. On the Republican side, former state senator Jim Carlin and Navy veteran Joshua Smith have announced their candidacies. The Democratic field includes Bob Krause, Nathan Sage, state representative Joh Turek and state senator Zach Wahls.
