# Iowa U.S. Senate race polling and debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iowa-us-senate-race-polling > Updated: 2026-10-26T08:55:00.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 7. The Iowa U.S. Senate race between Democrat Josh Turek and Republican Ashley Hinson remains highly competitive as the candidates engage in direct policy debates. In recent exchanges, the candidates have clashed over legislative accountability and healthcare. Hinson has accused Turek of neglecting his duties, claiming he missed 58% of votes in the Iowa Legislature, including critical votes on the Iowa Farm Bill, and suggested he return his taxpayer-funded per diem. Turek countered by noting Hinson has missed 193 votes in Congress and criticized her support for Medicaid cuts, which the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) warns could leave over 110,000 Iowans without healthcare and trigger hospital closures. During a subsequent debate and interview, the focus expanded to healthcare access and trade. Turek advocated for fully funded Medicare and Medicaid, the restoration of ACA subsidies, and improved mental health support and rural provider availability, stating that healthcare should be treated as a “human right.” Regarding trade, Turek criticized current tariff implementations as “chaotic for small businesses,” arguing that while strategic tariffs can protect industries like automobile manufacturing, the power to implement them should reside more firmly with the legislature. Hinson also faced questioning regarding her commitment to bipartisanship following her previous role as a top ally for Donald Trump in Congress. As the election approaches, the candidates' strategic positioning has become more defined. Turek is running a centrist campaign, identifying as a moderate on social and cultural issues while emphasizing support for border security and bipartisan cooperation. Hinson, who has received support from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has sought to balance her political identity by pledging to be an ally to Donald Trump when it serves Iowa’s interests while maintaining the ability to push back on him. ## Claims - President Trump held a rally in Sioux City, Iowa, to support Republican candidates. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The midterm election is scheduled for November 3. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Ashley Hinson is the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Iowa. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Josh Turek is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Hinson pledged to be Trump’s ally when important for Iowa but will push back on him. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The U.S. Senate race in Iowa is to replace Senator Joni Ernst. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Trump won Iowa by approximately 13 percentage points in 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Iowa agricultural net income fell 53% between 2022 and 2024. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Josh Turek and Ashley Hinson compete in tight Iowa Senate race Iowa Democrats' Josh Turek and Republicans' Ashley Hinson are locked in a pivotal Senate race that could determine the control of the U.S. Senate majority. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/josh-turek-and-ashley-hinson-compete-in-tight-iowa-senate-race ### 2026-10-21: Trump claims right to third term during Iowa campaign rally President Donald Trump claimed a right to a third term during an Iowa rally, citing alleged 2020 election fraud while campaigning for Republican midterm candidates. 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ashley-hinson-navigates-political-balance-in-iowa-senate-race ### 2026-10-19: Iowa polls show Hinson leading Turek in Senate race Polling shows Republican Ashley Hinson leading Democrat Josh Turek in the Iowa U.S. Senate race, while Democrat Rob Sand holds a lead over Republican Zach Lahn for Governor. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iowa-polls-show-hinson-leading-turek-in-senate-race ### 2026-10-13: Iowa Senate candidates debate healthcare and trade policy Iowa U.S. Senate candidates Josh Turek and Ashley Hinson debated key issues including healthcare access, strategic tariffs, and bipartisanship as the election approaches. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iowa-senate-candidates-debate-healthcare-and-trade-policy ### 2026-10-08: Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek clash in Iowa Senate race Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek are clashing in the Iowa Senate race over Turek’s legislative attendance and Hinson’s support for Medicaid cuts. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ashley-hinson-and-josh-turek-clash-in-iowa-senate-race ### 2026-09-30: Ashley Hinson leads Josh Turek in Iowa Senate poll A Quantus Insights poll shows Republican Ashley Hinson leading Democrat Josh Turek by 1.3 points in Iowa’s Senate race, a margin within the poll's 3.8% error rate. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ashley-hinson-leads-josh-turek-in-iowa-senate-poll ### 2026-09-25: Iowa Democrats Josh Turek and Rob Sand show polling strength Democratic candidates Josh Turek and Rob Sand are showing strength in Iowa polls, supported by a $9.7 million investment from VoteVets in the Senate race. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iowa-democrats-josh-turek-and-rob-sand-show-polling-strength --- Cite as: Iowa U.S. Senate race polling and debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iowa-us-senate-race-polling