U.S. Senate, Iowa · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in the Iowa U.S. Senate race?
Ashley Hinson has the strongest record in the Iowa U.S. Senate race. Ashley Hinson scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Thomas Laehn at 58 and Josh Turek at 56, as of October 6, 2026. Ashley Hinson's highest marks are relevant experience and results. Thomas Laehn's highest marks are roots in the constituency and relevant experience. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Republican
Strongest record
Ashley Hinson
64 / 100
Public evidence on 14 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 75
- Performance
- 69
Libertarian
Thomas Laehn
58 / 100
Public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 65
- Performance
- NR
Democratic
Josh Turek
56 / 100
Public evidence on 12 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 70
- Performance
- 38
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Ashley Hinson
- On the record2026-06-05
PolitiFact rated False her June 2026 ad claim that Josh Turek supports 'sex changes for kids.'
Source: PolitiFact, June 5, 2026
- On the record2026-09-30
PolitiFact rated True her claim that Josh Turek skipped 58 percent of Iowa House votes in 2026.
Source: PolitiFact, Sept. 30, 2026
- On the record2021-01-06
Voted Nay on the objections to Arizona's and Pennsylvania's certified electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021, while House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy voted Yea on both.
Sources: House Clerk Roll Call 10, Jan. 6, 2021, House Clerk Roll Call 11, Jan. 6, 2021
- Credit2024
Was primary sponsor of the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024, H.R. 4581, which was enacted, per GovTrack.
Source: GovTrack, Ashley Hinson
- Credit2023
Rated as exceeding expectations by the Center for Effective Lawmaking for the 118th Congress, with a Legislative Effectiveness Score of 1.848 against a benchmark of 1.194.
Source: Center for Effective Lawmaking House dataset, 93rd to 118th Congress
Thomas Laehn
- Credit2018
Was elected Greene County attorney in 2018 and reelected in 2022 as a Libertarian, which he describes as the first Libertarian elected to a partisan office in Iowa.
Sources: Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026, N'West Iowa REVIEW, Sept. 21, 2026
Josh Turek
- Mark against2026
Missed 261 of 445 Iowa House floor votes in the 2026 session, about 58 percent, the second highest rate among the chamber's 100 members.
Sources: PolitiFact Iowa via The Daily Iowan, Oct. 5, 2026, KTIV, Aug. 26, 2026
- On the record2026-09-01
KCRG found his ad claim of more than 700 votes with Republicans plausible but needing context; he voted with at least 50 House Republicans 72.5 percent of the time in 2026.
Source: KCRG fact check, Sept. 1, 2026
- On the record2024
Was one of three Iowa House Democrats to vote for Senate File 2340, the 2024 state immigration enforcement law, a vote his 2026 primary opponent criticized.
Sources: Iowa Capital Dispatch via News From The States, Apr. 8, 2026, KCRG, May 6, 2026
- Credit2016
Won Paralympic gold medals in wheelchair basketball in 2016 and 2020, competing for the United States at four Paralympic Games.
Sources: Iowa Public Radio, Aug. 13, 2025, Ballotpedia, Josh Turek
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Ashley Hinson. Her 2025 annual financial disclosure is on file with the House Clerk, signed Aug. 13, 2026; her one periodic transaction report (2021) was filed within 45 days. No FEC administrative fine or House Ethics finding found.
Sources: House Clerk financial disclosure, Filing ID 10076278, House Clerk periodic transaction report, Filing ID 20018521, FEC administrative fines search
Thomas Laehn. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026. No FEC administrative fine and no official ethics finding found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Josh Turek. Senate campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026. No FEC administrative fine and no official ethics finding found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Ashley Hinson. Voted Nay on both January 6, 2021 objections to the Arizona and Pennsylvania electoral votes, when Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and Whip Steve Scalise voted Yea.
Sources: House Clerk Roll Call 10, Jan. 6, 2021, House Clerk Roll Call 11, Jan. 6, 2021
Thomas Laehn. No public record found.
Josh Turek. Was one of three House Democrats to vote for Senate File 2340, a 2024 state immigration enforcement law most of his party opposed; his primary opponent made the vote an issue in 2026.
Sources: Iowa Capital Dispatch via News From The States, Apr. 8, 2026, KCRG, May 6, 2026
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Ashley Hinson. Agreed to debate Josh Turek on Iowa PBS on Oct. 7, 2026; a second televised debate (WHO 13, Oct. 13) is also reported.
Sources: KCRG, Sept. 2, 2026, Iowa PBS, Iowa Press Debates: U.S. Senate
Thomas Laehn. Spoke at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 15, 2026. The Iowa PBS debate criteria did not include him; no report that he declined a debate.
Josh Turek. Agreed to debate Ashley Hinson on Iowa PBS on Oct. 7, 2026, with a second televised debate reported for Oct. 13, after taking part in primary debates.
Sources: KCRG, Sept. 2, 2026, KCRG, May 6, 2026
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Ashley Hinson. Served in the Iowa House from 2017 and in the U.S. House since 2021, with no formal conduct finding found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Ashley Hinson
Thomas Laehn. Greene County attorney since his 2018 election, reelected in 2022, with no formal conduct finding found.
Josh Turek. State representative since 2023 and a four-time Paralympian, with no formal conduct finding found.
Sources: Iowa Legislature, Representative Josh Turek, Ballotpedia, Josh Turek
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Ashley Hinson. Took the oath of the Iowa House and the U.S. House. Voted to reject both January 2021 objections to certified electors. No official finding of misuse of office found.
Thomas Laehn. Took the oath as Greene County attorney after his 2018 election and 2022 reelection. No official finding of misuse of office found.
Sources: N'West Iowa REVIEW, Sept. 21, 2026, Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026
Josh Turek. Took the oath of the Iowa House in 2023 and 2025. No official finding of misuse of office and no action to reject certified results found.
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Ashley Hinson. U.S. representative since January 2021 (three terms) after two terms in the Iowa House; earlier a KCRG-TV9 news anchor and reporter.
Sources: GovTrack, Ashley Hinson, Ballotpedia, Ashley Hinson
Thomas Laehn. Elected Greene County attorney in 2018 and reelected in 2022; holds a law degree from the University of Iowa and a political science doctorate from Louisiana State University.
Sources: Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026, Ballotpedia, Thomas Laehn
Josh Turek. In his second term in the Iowa House (District 20) since January 2023; earlier a professional wheelchair basketball player on four U.S. Paralympic teams.
Sources: Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026, Iowa Legislature, Representative Josh Turek
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Ashley Hinson. Serves on the House Appropriations Committee and three of its subcommittees, the Ethics Committee and the Select Committee on China; publishes issue positions.
Sources: GovTrack, Ashley Hinson, Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026
Thomas Laehn. Publishes positions mostly in general terms; proposes specific legislation to repeal the 45Q and 45Z federal tax credits and to bar private companies from using eminent domain.
Sources: Iowa Capital Dispatch via Yahoo News, Aug. 15, 2026, Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026
Josh Turek. Was ranking member of the Iowa House Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee in 2025 and names specific measures, including a ban on members of Congress trading stocks.
Sources: Iowa Legislature, Representative Josh Turek, Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Ashley Hinson. Answered the Des Moines Register 2026 candidate questionnaire, agreed to televised debates, offers an office newsletter and completed Ballotpedia's survey in 2020 (not in 2022 or 2024).
Sources: Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026, KCRG, Sept. 2, 2026, Ballotpedia, Ashley Hinson, Office site, home page
Thomas Laehn. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey, answered the Des Moines Register 2026 questionnaire and spoke at the Register Political Soapbox (two channels under E8: questionnaires and forums).
Sources: Ballotpedia, Thomas Laehn, Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026, Iowa Capital Dispatch via Yahoo News, Aug. 15, 2026
Josh Turek. Answered the Des Moines Register 2026 candidate questionnaire, took part in primary debates, agreed to general election debates and offers a legislative newsletter. Did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 or 2024 surveys.
Sources: Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026, KCRG, Sept. 2, 2026, Iowa Legislature, Representative Josh Turek
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Ashley Hinson. Born in Des Moines in 1983 and lives in Marion. About 37 percent of itemized individual contributions by state through June 30, 2026 came from Iowa (FEC by-state totals).
Sources: Ballotpedia, Ashley Hinson, FEC contribution totals by state
Thomas Laehn. Grew up in Allison, Iowa, and lives in Jefferson. About 51 percent of itemized individual contributions by state through June 30, 2026 came from Iowa ($12,558 of $24,668, FEC by-state totals).
Sources: N'West Iowa REVIEW, Sept. 21, 2026, Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026, FEC contribution totals by state
Josh Turek. Lives in Council Bluffs, which he represents in the Iowa House. About 28 percent of itemized individual contributions by state through June 30, 2026 came from Iowa (FEC by-state totals).
Sources: Iowa Public Radio, Aug. 13, 2025, FEC contribution totals by state
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Ashley Hinson. Senate campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026, and no administrative fine was found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
Thomas Laehn. Has run the Greene County Attorney's office since 2019. Campaign reports are on file with the FEC with no administrative fine found.
Sources: Des Moines Register candidate questionnaire via USA Today, Oct. 5, 2026, FEC administrative fines search
Josh Turek. Campaign committee reports are on file with the FEC through June 30, 2026, with no debts reported and no administrative fine found.
Sources: FEC candidate page, FEC administrative fines search
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Ashley Hinson. Legislative Effectiveness Score of 1.848 in the 118th Congress against a benchmark of 1.194, exceeds expectations. Primary sponsor of one enacted bill, the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024.
Sources: Center for Effective Lawmaking House dataset, 93rd to 118th Congress, GovTrack, Ashley Hinson
Thomas Laehn. No public record found.
Josh Turek. No public record found.
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Ashley Hinson. Missed 33 of 2,915 roll call votes, 1.1 percent, from January 2021 to September 2026.
Source: GovTrack, Ashley Hinson
Thomas Laehn. No public record found.
Josh Turek. Missed 261 of 445 Iowa House floor votes, about 58 percent, in the 2026 session, the second highest rate in the chamber; about 19 percent across 2023 to 2026, by his campaign's figure.
Sources: PolitiFact Iowa via The Daily Iowan, Oct. 5, 2026, KTIV, Aug. 26, 2026
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Ashley Hinson. Lists district offices in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Dubuque and offers help with federal agencies. No published casework totals found.
Source: Office site, Office Locations
Thomas Laehn. No public record found.
Josh Turek. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Ashley Hinson. Lugar Center Bipartisan Index score of -0.07836 in the latest posted House scores (118th Congress, 2023), ranked 142 of 436.
Source: Lugar Center and McCourt School Bipartisan Index, House Scores
Thomas Laehn. No public record found.
Josh Turek. In 2026 he voted with at least 50 House Republicans on 72.5 percent of his votes, third highest among House Democrats, and voted for several enacted bipartisan laws, including 2023 property tax limits and 2024 income tax cuts.
Source: KCRG fact check, Sept. 1, 2026
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Ashley Hinson. No public record found.
Thomas Laehn. No public record found.
Josh Turek. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 6, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in the Iowa U.S. Senate race?
Ashley Hinson has the strongest record in the Iowa U.S. Senate race. Ashley Hinson scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Thomas Laehn at 58 and Josh Turek at 56, as of October 6, 2026. Ashley Hinson's highest marks are relevant experience and results. Thomas Laehn's highest marks are roots in the constituency and relevant experience. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in the Iowa U.S. Senate race in 2026?
Ashley Hinson (Republican), Thomas Laehn (Libertarian), Josh Turek (Democratic). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Ashley Hinson a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
Ashley Hinson scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 14 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 75 of 100, performance 69 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Thomas Laehn a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
Thomas Laehn scores 58 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 9 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 65 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Josh Turek a good candidate for U.S. Senate?
Josh Turek scores 56 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 12 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 70 of 100, performance 38 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Iowa race scored, and the Iowa 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.