Full Breakdown
Trump Rally in Iowa Highlights Senate Candidate Ashley Hinson’s Split with President Over Russia Diesel Deal
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Hinson’s Public Opposition to the President’s Russia Deal
Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson made the remarks in an interview posted the night before President Donald Trump’s rally in Sioux City on October 22, 2026 at 6 p.m. Hinson added that she wants the war in Iran to end “as soon as possible” and “successful and immediate.”
Senate Race Background
The open Iowa Senate seat, vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, pits Hinson against Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek. The campaign has featured two debates, the first on October 7 and a second a week later, where tariffs, immigration and the Iran war were focal points. While Trump has campaigned for Hinson, she has signaled a willingness to “push back” on the President when she disagrees, positioning herself as a “bipartisan fighter.”
Poll Numbers and Economic Context
- Marist poll (Oct 8-11): Turek leads 48 % to 45 % (5 % undecided).
- Emerson poll (Oct 5-6): Hinson leads 47 % to 45 % (2 % undecided).
- CNN/SSRS poll (Sept 29-Oct 5): Hinson leads 45 % to 43 % (8 % “neither”).
Voters cite the economy as the top issue (42 %). National gasoline averages $4.27 per gallon and diesel $6.30; Iowa’s prices are $4.11 for gasoline and $6.17 for diesel (AAA). Advertising spending in the race has topped $200 million.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Trump campaign framed the Sioux City rally as a “contrast election” aimed at boosting Republican turnout before the midterms.
- Turek’s spokesperson accused Hinson of “rewriting her record,” labeling her a “multimillionaire” who voted to continue the Iran war.
- Republican activist Kelley Koch warned that complacent supporters might stay home, noting, “They say, ‘Why are you all hyped up about the midterms, Kelley, Trump will take care of everything.’”
Criticism & Opposition
Turek’s campaign directly challenged Hinson’s voting history, arguing that her support for continued U.S. involvement in Iran has driven up costs for Iowans.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Polls present a fragmented picture: some show Hinson with a narrow lead, others give Turek a modest advantage. No source provides definitive data on how Hinson’s split with Trump will affect voter turnout, leaving analysts without a clear projection of the race’s trajectory.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think that's a bad idea. I don’t think we should be making deals with Russia,” — Ashley Hinson
- “Voters who say the economy is the top issue facing the state break for Hinson by four points, 47 percent-43 percent, but for Rob Sand by three points, 49 percent-46 percent,” — Spencer Kimball, Emerson College Polling
- “I will be there at the rally to welcome him to Iowa because I think this is a contrast election,” — Ashley Hinson
- “They say, 'Why are you all hyped up about the midterms, Kelley, Trump will take care of everything,'" Koch said.” — Kelley Koch
What’s Next
President Trump will address Iowa voters at the Sioux City rally on October 22, 2026, followed by a second Iowa appearance on Nov. 1. Both candidates will continue to court undecided voters as the midterm election approaches later in the year.