In Des Moines on Wednesday night, Iowa voters got a first look at the two leading candidates for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst. Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic State Rep. Josh Turek sparred over immigration, bipartisan records, health‑care policy, the war with Iran and the future of a proposed steel plant in southeast Iowa.
Immigration and border security
Turek emphasized the need for “safe and secure borders” alongside a pathway to earned citizenship for those who entered the country legally. He defended the DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025, which would let certain illegal immigrants apply for renewable legal status if they meet strict requirements.
Hinson countered that the Border Act of 2024, which she opposed, would have allowed uncapped numbers of illegal immigrants to cross the southern border. She criticized Turek for supporting legislation she says would let criminals remain in the country.
Poll snapshot
A Suffolk University poll released the same day showed Turek at 48% support, Hinson at 44% and 6% undecided, with a margin of error of ±4.4 points. Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rated the race as a toss‑up.
Bipartisan credentials
Turek highlighted his record of voting with Republicans more than 700 times and noted he was one of three Democrats to side with GOP members on Senate File 2340, a 2024 law creating a state crime for certain re‑entries after removal. Hinson pointed to her own bipartisan work, claiming she ranks in the top 20% of bipartisan lawmakers in Congress and has supported bills signed by both Democratic and Republican presidents.
Each candidate also attacked the other’s attendance record, with Turek calling Hinson “the least bipartisan member of the Iowa delegation” and Hinson labeling Turek “one of the most absent” and “most liberal when he did show up”.
Health‑care and affordability
On the federal tax‑and‑spending law and its Medicaid changes, Turek said he voted against cuts, warning they would reduce services and force clinic closures. Hinson defended the law’s tax provisions and highlighted a rural health fund that she says helps communities attract providers.
Both agreed that doctors, not insurance companies, should decide care. Hinson added she wants to target health insurers and pharmacy‑benefit managers that she believes drive up costs.
Foreign policy and agriculture
Turek called for ending the war with Iran and returning to diplomacy, linking the conflict to higher fuel and fertilizer costs for Iowa farmers. Hinson said she does not want a “forever war” but stressed the need to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to protect U.S. allies.
Regarding the proposed steel plant in southeast Iowa, Turek warned that tariffs have hurt Iowa farmers and trade relationships, while Hinson argued tariffs can hold unfair trade partners accountable and that federal tax policy could bring manufacturing jobs back to the state.
Data centers and utility rates
Both candidates said data centers should not raise utility costs for Iowa residents. Hinson said lawmakers must ensure ratepayers are not on the hook for higher rates. Turek called for stronger federal regulation, including requiring closed‑loop cooling systems to reduce water use.
The debate underscored the stark choices Iowa voters will face on Nov. 3, with early voting beginning Oct. 14.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
