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Ashley Hinson news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Rep. Ashley Hinson introduced the Cancer Research Trust Fund Act, steering 10% of tobacco import duties.
The Iowa Senate race is now a toss-up, with Democrat Josh Turek gaining ground.
Background
Ashley Hinson, a Republican U.S. Representative from Iowa, is running for an open Senate seat. She recently introduced a bill to fund cancer research using tobacco import duties, and her campaign is active at the Iowa State Fair. The Cook Political Report has shifted the Senate race to a toss-up, indicating a competitive contest.
How it unfolded
- Aug 17, 2026Hinson spoke at the Des Moines Register Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair.
- Aug 21, 2026Hinson introduced the Cancer Research Trust Fund Act and touted the Save Our Bacon Act at the state fair.
- Aug 21, 2026Cook Political Report shifted the Iowa Senate race to a toss-up.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Hinson says the bill could direct about $24 million for research based on fiscal 2025 collections.
- Opponent
- Turek opposes the Save Our Bacon Act, which some call 'pro-China' because it benefits Chinese-owned Smithfield Foods.
- Analysts
- Cook Political Report rates the race a toss-up, with private polling showing Turek ahead within the margin of error.
Still unverified
Private polling data mentioned by Cook Political Report is not publicly available.