U.S. Senate race in Iowa focuses on affordability, tax policy

Republicans hold a 53-45 majority in the U.S. Senate, while two indepdent members caucus with Democrats. The Democratic party would need to flip four seats in the chamber to take control in November while holding all current seats. 

With incumbent U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst announcing she would not run for reelection, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson secured the Republican nomination in the state. Iowa Rep. Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist for the United States national team, is the Democratic nominee for the post.

Hinson and Turek have made affordability concerns central to both of their campaigns throughout the campaign season. Both candidates have advocated for similar policies throughout their campaigns but also diverged in several areas.

Hinson called for allowing more first-time homebuyers to grow tax-free down payments for their first homes. She suggested the First Home Savings Opportunity Act, legislation that would allow homeowners to avoid taxes on down payments when purchasing a home.

“By allowing families to save tax-free to buy a home, we’ll help more families to be able to afford their dream home,” Hinson said when introducing the legislation in the U.S. House.

She also called for barring institutional investors from purchasing single family homes, a provision in the ROAD to Housing Act, which became law in July. Hinson voted for the ROAD to Housing Act as a member of the House of Representatives.

Turek also advocates for barring institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes. He proposed a five-year ban on Wall Street investment firms purchasing single-family homes.

“Far too many homes are being bought up by Wall Street private equity and it’s impossible for us in the middle class to compete with these large Wall Street firms,” Turek told Radio Iowa in an interview.

Hinson has also focused her affordability policies on expanding tax relief to middle class families. She called for encouraging employers to invest in child care solutions. She touted her vote for the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, a signature piece of legislation passed in July 2025 which included no tax on tips, Social Security and overtime.

“Ashley Hinson and President Trump delivered monumental tax relief to Iowa’s families, workers, and farmers, and Josh Turek wants to instate a 90 percent tax rate,” said Samantha Cantrell, regional press secretary for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Turek said he supports eliminating federal taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security. He also called for cutting middle class taxes and “closing loopholes” for billionaires and corporations in the tax code.

Turek’s campaign has emphasized his bipartisan record voting with Republicans.

“Josh will always do what is best for Iowa and Iowans, which is why he supports eliminating tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security, opposes benefits for illegal immigrants, and will fight to make billionaires pay their fair share,” a campaign spokesperson said in a statement.

Hinson and Turek also found agreement on expanding apprenticeship and technical education programs throughout Iowa to connect students with high-paying jobs.

Turek called for passage of the PRO Act, legislation that seeks to expand collective bargaining rights and union coordination with workers. The legislation is seen by advocates as an advancement of the National Labor Relations Act of 1935.

“We need more representatives who understand that strong unions build strong wages. I will always fight to protect collective bargaining rights and put workers first,” Turek said.

Hinson leads the race in fundraising with more than $7.9 million in contributions and $6.7 million in cash on hand, according to the Federal Election Commission. Turek has more than $6.2 million in contributions and $2.3 million in cash on hand.

Hinson has received $40,000 from the 2026 Senators Classic Committee, $7,000 from the Heart of America Group and $39,000 from the Senate Path to Victory 2026. Turek received $5,000 from the Communications Workers of America, $10,000 from Forward Together PAC and $10,000 from the Blue Wave Project.

Voters will head to the polls in Iowa on Nov. 3 to determine who their next U.S. Senator will be and have a significant impact on the makeup of the chamber. Early voting starts Oct. 14.