Iowa

Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson rules out running for Iowa governor in 2026

Published

5 months ago

April 29, 2025

Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson rules out running for Iowa governor in 2026

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson has ruled out a run for Iowa governor, saying she is instead committed to her work in Washington, D.C., amid a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Republicans.

“I have been humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement from people all across Iowa asking me to run for governor,” she said in a statement provided exclusively to the Des Moines Register. “After much prayer and conversation with family and friends, I have decided to stay focused on my mission in Washington, working with President Trump to Make America Great Again. We have a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to make real, lasting change in our country right now, and I’m committed to the fight to make Washington run more like Iowa.”

The decision comes as Republicans across the state weigh whether to enter an open primary to succeed Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Reynolds surprised Iowa’s political community by announcing she would not seek a third full term as governor.

Even though she won’t run, Hinson said she plans to help ensure Reynolds’ successor is a Republican.

“I am also committed to electing a conservative governor in Iowa — I’ll be out on the campaign trail doing everything I can to help keep Iowa the best place in the world to call home,” she said in the statement. “It is a tremendous honor to serve Iowans every day, and I will always work as hard as I can for you.”

A handful of Republicans have publicly expressed interest in running.

They include 4th District U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who told the Register he is keeping his options open.

A trio of state representatives — Pat Grassley, Bobby Kaufmann and Mike Bousselot — have said they’re interested in exploring the opportunity. Bousselot recently launched an exploratory committee to more formally consider the possibility.

And two statewide officials — Attorney General Brenna Bird and Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig — have said they are thinking and praying about the decision.

Former state Rep. Brad Sherman has already launched a campaign.

On the Democratic side, Auditor Rob Sand is expected to launch a campaign, although he has not made a formal announcement.

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR.

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Iowa

Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren joins growing 2nd District GOP field

Published

3 days ago

September 23, 2025

Press Room

Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren joins growing 2nd District GOP field

Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, announced her run for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District Tuesday, joining a growing field of Republicans aiming to take the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson. In a social media post Tuesday morning, Lundgren announced her U.S. House campaign, kicking off by stating her early support for President Donald […]

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Iowa

Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson launches campaign for U.S. Senate

Published

2 weeks ago

September 14, 2025

Press Room

Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson launches campaign for U.S. Senate

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson officially launched her campaign for U.S. Senate at the Radisson Hotel in Cedar Rapids on Sunday.

“In the Senate, I will fight to make America look more like Iowa,” Hinson said. “Here, we know the difference between boys and girls. We know that families deserve to keep more of what they earn, and we know the people, not the government, always come first,” she said.

Right now, Ashley Hinson represents northeast Iowa’s 2nd District in Congress.

She’s running to replace Republican Senator Joni Ernst, who announced earlier this month she would not run for re-election.

“Ashley Hinson gives me hope. Someone that I know fights for me. Someone that has my back. And somebody that will have your back,” the Jones County Sheriff, Greg Graveler said about Hinson.

Hinson told Sunday’s crowd she wants to keep deporting illegal immigrants, cut taxes, and defend farmers in agriculture.

She also addressed Democrats who she said may consider her an extremist.

“If it’s extreme to want parents in charge of our kids’ education, if it’s extreme to want safe borders and safe streets, if it’s extreme to believe that there are only two genders, then they can go ahead and call me whatever they want,” Hinson said.

While Hinson will face plenty of competition for the Senate spot from other Republicans and Democrats, she said she’s confident in her campaign.

“We can only deliver on these critical wins, and make America safer and stronger for a generation to come if we win this seat. Or correction – when we win this seat,” Hinson said.

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