Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) has declared her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026 after Sen. Joni Ernst confirmed she would not seek re-election. Hinson emphasized her commitment to Iowa’s interests, stating, “My priorities have been Iowans’ priorities,” during a radio interview. She pledged to advance an “America First” agenda, positioning herself as a key ally of former President Donald Trump.

Hinson plans to visit all 99 Iowa counties this week to engage with voters, vowing to “put Iowa first and put America first” in the Senate. Her announcement followed Ernst’s decision to step down after years of service, which Hinson praised, calling it a testament to Ernst’s “selfless service.”

The race for the Republican Senate nomination includes other candidates such as former state lawmaker Jim Carlin and Libertarian-turned-Republican Joshua Smith. Multiple GOP senators, including Katie Britt of Alabama and Jim Banks of Indiana, have endorsed Hinson, highlighting her pro-life stance, support for the Second Amendment, and pledge to combat federal waste.

Hinson’s shift to the Senate race leaves Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District without a Republican incumbent. Democrats have already launched campaigns for the seat, but no Republicans have entered the field. Despite the district being labeled a “solid Republican” area, Democratic officials argue Hinson’s focus on “billionaires” over Iowans has hurt her re-election chances.