With Joni Ernst heading for the exit and Ashley Hinson officially launching her campaign to replace her, Republicans are proving what voters already know: their toxic agenda is a political liability.
Ernst’s decision to retire follows mounting backlash over years of supporting unpopular policies that hurt Iowa families – from pointless trade wars that punish farmers to cutting health care and food assistance. Now Ashley Hinson wants a promotion, but she’s carrying the same baggage that tanked Ernst’s standing – and then some. Hinson may think she deserves a bigger office in D.C., but Iowans see through the act – Ashley Hinson is Ernst’s worst instincts dialed up, with less credibility and more plagiarism.
“Ashley Hinson spent her August recess getting booed by Iowans for backing disastrous tariffs and gutting Medicaid – and somehow took that as a sign she deserves a promotion,” said American Bridge 21st Century spokesperson Nico Delgado. “Her record is a greatest hits album of the GOP’s cruel, costly, and corrupt agenda – and it’s completely out of touch with Iowa.”
Ashley Hinson’s Record:
- Hinson was booed by Iowans for touting the Big Ugly Bill, which was expected to:
- Hurt energy projects across Iowa
- Cause 86,000 Iowans to lose Medicaid coverage
- Put 260,000 SNAP recipients at risk of losing food assistance
- Has repeatedly been called out by constituents at town halls for selling out Iowa.
- Despite a report showing that Iowa exporters paid $68 million more in tariffs this April than last, Hinson defended Trump’s trade war.
- Hinson plagiarized passages in her op-eds and campaign website.
- Hinson said she was open to raising the retirement age for Social Security.
- Hinson voted against $5 billion in infrastructure funding for Iowa — then had the audacity to take credit for the projects it created.
- Hinson co-sponsored a total abortion ban and Iowa’s extreme “fetal heartbeat” law.
- Hinson called expanding health care access “socialism.”
- Hinson voted twice against lowering insulin prices, siding with Big Pharma over Iowans with diabetes.
Published: Sep 3, 2025