Politics

Thune stumps for Hinson in Iowa, a potentially decisive Senate race

Polls show Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek locked in a close race for an open seat.

Updated Oct 25, 2026 · 18:13 UTC2 reports

The short version

Senate Majority Leader John Thune campaigned with Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in Iowa on Friday to support GOP candidates.[CBS News]
Hinson faces Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek for an open Senate seat, and polls show the race in a dead heat.[CBS News]
Thune said the Senate majority must run through Iowa, underscoring the state's importance to control of the chamber.[CBS News]
The outcome remains unknown, as polling shows the contest tied amid voter concerns about affordability.[CBS News]

Thune campaigned with Hinson in Iowa on Friday to support Republican candidates and stress the state's importance to Senate control.[CBS News]
Thune said the majority in the U.S. Senate must run through Iowa.[CBS News]
Hinson is facing Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek for an open U.S. Senate seat in Iowa.[CBS News · ABC News]
Polls have shown Hinson and Turek locked in a dead heat, amid affordability concerns affecting Iowa voters and farmers.[CBS News]
Former President Barack Obama endorsed Turek in July.[ABC News]
A recent CNN poll found that majorities of likely Iowa voters say President Trump's policies have increased their cost of living.[ABC News]

The dead-heat polling is a snapshot, so the race's eventual outcome is unknown.[CBS News]
Thune's assertion that Senate control runs through Iowa is a political characterization rather than a settled fact.[CBS News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.