Iowa Senate candidates Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek’s voting history has come under scrutiny as both candidates criticize the other’s attendance record. The Hawkeye State is among the most competitive Senate races this year, in which Turek, a Democrat and Iowa state representative, and Hinson, a Republican and U.S. representative, are vying for Republican Senator Joni Ernst's open seat since Ernst is retiring. Polls continue to show a tight race between the two candidates roughly a month out from the 2026 midterm elections.
While the candidates have exchanged verbal blows over several topics, attendance is among the more recently discussed issues. In September, Hinson lashed out at Turek’s voting record, claiming he has missed 58 percent of votes at the Iowa Statehouse this year, while Turek’s campaign claims Hinson has also skipped votes. In early September, Hinson posted on social media about Turek’s attendance.
Giving taxpayer-funded welfare benefits to illegal immigrants. Allowing kids to secretly change their gender at school. Making it easier for politicians to raise taxes on working families.
Restricting Iowa law enforcement from working with ICE to keep dangerous criminals off our streets. That’s Josh Turek’s record, and it’s wrong for Iowa.” On Friday, Hinson again called out Turek’s attendance. Hopefully he isn’t too busy to vote today with thousands of good-paying jobs on the line!” When reached for comment by Newsweek on Friday, Turek’s campaign said he is an effective, bipartisan legislator who has voted alongside Republicans on issues like lowering costs, cutting taxes and safety.
The statement went on to claim that Hinson has also missed votes since she was elected to Congress in 2021. In 32 days, Iowans will reject Ashley Hinson because they are sick and tired of corrupt D.C. politicians who repeatedly hurt Iowans to enrich themselves and their billionaire donors.” Newsweek reached out to Hinson's campaign by email for comment on Friday. Hinson’s comment about Turek’s attendance was in regard to this year.
Between January 12 and April 2, which is the Iowa state legislative session, Turek was absent for 261 out of 445 votes, or 58 percent, a fact check by Politifact found. Turek's campaign did not provide a reason for his absence. Looking at past years, Turek's absence has not been so notable.
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