During the Iowa State Fair, two Senate hopefuls used separate appearances to draw clear contrasts for Iowans. Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who entered the 2026 Senate race after Sen. Joni Ernst announced she would not seek re‑election, spoke alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at JR’s Southpork Ranch. Hegseth urged voters to support a $1.5 trillion defense budget, describing it as a “one‑time generational investment” needed to keep the nation secure.
Hinson’s Defense Focus
Hinson said she will continue to back the Department of Defense’s request, stressing that a strong military is essential for deterrence against Iran and other potential threats. She referenced a recent bipartisan meeting with a vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to discuss future needs across all service branches. “I support our war fighters in this mission,” Hinson said, adding that she wants Iowa’s service members to have the resources they need.
Hinson also noted concerns about the high price tag of the defense request, pointing out that both parties share responsibility for current federal spending levels. She reminded listeners that she voted against a $6 trillion budget proposal from former President Joe Biden.
Turek’s Farm Bill Push
Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek, a Council Bluffs native, used his Fair appearance to call on Senate Democrats to move forward with a long‑delayed farm bill. He warned that waiting for a perfect agreement would further harm Iowa’s family farms, which are already feeling the strain of lost pharmacies, school closures, and reduced health‑care clinics.
Turek explained that the current farm bill proposal includes a two‑year extension of a SNAP provision that would shift some costs to states with high error rates. While he acknowledged flaws—such as the bill favoring southern producers over Iowa corn and soybean growers—he argued that progress is better than stagnation.
He also linked SNAP cuts to the hollowing out of rural communities, saying, “To have a functioning rural community, you’ve got to have grocery stores. Well, the SNAP cuts hurt that.” Turek emphasized that passing the farm bill is critical to preserving small family farms and maintaining essential services in Iowa’s countryside.
Campaign Dynamics at the Fair
The Fair’s political soapbox attracted enthusiastic supporters for both candidates. Hinson’s crowd displayed signs backing her Senate bid, while a smaller group held signs for Turek. Hinson criticized Turek for missing the Veterans’ Parade and a vote on the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, labeling him an “absentee legislator.” Turek responded by highlighting his record of bipartisan work in the Iowa Legislature and noting that Hinson has missed 193 votes in her six years in Congress.
Both candidates framed their messages around the concerns of Iowa families: national security and a strong defense for veterans on one side, and agricultural policy, SNAP assistance, and rural vitality on the other. Political forecasters rate the Senate seat as “leans Republican,” suggesting a competitive race but a likely Republican hold.
As the primary season continues, Iowans will hear more from both campaigns across the state, with each candidate emphasizing the issues they believe will protect families, uphold constitutional responsibilities, and preserve the values of traditional Iowa communities.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
