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Hinson’s Opposition to Trump’s Russia Diesel Deal Shapes Iowa Senate Race

By Drooid · · How we work

Core Event

Republican U.S. House Representative Ashley Hinson, the Iowa Senate candidate, publicly condemned President Donald Trump’s decision to waive sanctions on Russia in exchange for diesel fuel.

Audacy News

Background & Context

The Iowa Senate race is a key contest in the 2024 midterms. Hinson, a House member, is running for the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst. While she has highlighted Trump’s endorsement, she has also begun emphasizing a bipartisan image, pushing back on the diesel-fuel deal and a proposed increase in beef imports. Democratic challenger Josh Turek has framed Hinson as a “rubber stamp” for Trump’s policies, especially those tied to the Iran war and tariffs that he says have hurt Iowa’s economy.

Newsweek

Data & Statistics

  • A Suffolk University poll of 500 likely voters conducted early October found Turek leading Hinson by four points (48 % to 44 %).
Newsweek
  • Emerson College polling indicated that among voters who name the economy as their top issue, Hinson leads by four points (47 % to 43 %).
Newsweek

Official Statements & Responses

  • Hinson reiterated that the diesel waiver was “a bad idea” for the administration, emphasizing the need to keep fuel affordable for “working families.”
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  • Trump’s campaign framed the deal as a pragmatic step to protect American consumers, while some Republicans, including Sen. Thom Tillis, expressed criticism on social media.
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Criticism & Opposition

  • Turek’s campaign accused Hinson of “rewriting her record,” noting her votes to continue U.S. involvement in the Iran war.
Newsweek
  • Republican activist Kelley Koch warned that mixed messaging could dampen turnout among Trump-supporting voters.
Audacy News

Verbatim Quotes

  • “I don’t think we should be making deals with murderers and dictators, and that’s why I stood up for Ukraine. I think that Ukraine is a freedom-loving country … We should not be allowing a dictator to win.” — Rep. Ashley Hinson
The Hill

What’s Next

  • President Trump is slated to return to Iowa later this month for additional campaign events, a move expected to boost Republican turnout.
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  • The Iowa Senate race will conclude in early November, with voter decisions likely influenced by the debate over the Russia diesel deal and concerns about the Iran war’s impact on the state’s economy.
Audacy News