DES MOINES, Iowa -- (Gray Iowa State Capitol Bureau) -- U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, a Marion Republican serving her second term, announced her run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. The announcement happened just four hours after U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, the Red Oak Republican in her second term, confirmed that she would not run for a third term.

Hinson made the announcement on Simon Conway’s radio program, a Des Moines-based conservative show.

Hinson praised Ernst’s service in the Iowa National Guard and in elected office. She then confirmed that she would run for Ernst’s seat.

“I am running for the United States Senate,” Hinson said.

Hinson called a run for the U.S. Senate a “wild ride” and thanked her family for supporting her decision. She said that families across the state are

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