Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson attacked her Democratic opponent on Wednesday. She focused on how many votes Josh Turek missed in the Iowa Legislature. Hinson told the crowd that Turek skipped work more than half the time. She said he chose to ignore policies that help Iowa farmers. Turek missed 58 percent of the votes this year, according to the New York Post.
Hinson did not hold back on her words during the Senate debate. She called his record one of the worst for attendance. She noted he was also very liberal when he actually showed up. Hinson argued that any private worker with such a record would be fired. She said, “you’re not getting a promotion, you’re getting fired.” This comment came after she listed his missed votes on the Iowa Farm Bill.
The congresswoman also demanded he return the money he took while away. She claimed he took the full per diem even though he did not work. Hinson stated, “So you took the per diem. You stole from taxpayers. You should refund that money.” She said Turek took home $20,000 through this program. The New York Post reported she wants that cash returned to the state.
Turek did not sit quietly during the exchange. He pointed out that Hinson missed many votes in Washington too. The Democrat said, “She’s missed 193 votes herself.” He argued she voted for cuts to healthcare while in the nation’s capital. Turek noted Iowa faces a serious cancer crisis right now. According to reports, he stated that 110,000 Iowans lost health coverage due to her vote.
Washington Examiner reporting shows Turek focused heavily on Medicaid spending. He claimed Hinson supported a massive cut to the program last year. He reminded voters that Iowa has the highest cancer growth rate in the nation. Turek himself uses a wheelchair due to a genetic disorder. He said the cuts hurt disabled people waiting for care.
Hinson defended her vote by citing new funding for rural health. She said the bill includes $50 billion for a transformation program. She also mentioned work requirements for able-bodied adults on the plan. Hinson said she wants to stop people who game the system. She argued these changes ensure help goes to the working poor.
This fight for the Iowa Senate seat looks very close. The outcome could decide which party controls the chamber in 2027. Recent polling shows Turek holding a small lead over Hinson. The New York Post notes he leads by just one percentage point. This gap is tiny in a race this important.
Both candidates have used the other’s record against them. Hinson focused on Turek’s time away from the statehouse. Turek focused on Hinson’s time away from Iowa voters. They traded numbers about missed votes and money spent. The debate highlighted deep differences on healthcare and government spending. Voters will have to decide who they trust more. The election is coming up soon on Election Day.
