Hinson and Turek debate immigration, healthcare, and finance on Iowa Senate race

On Oct. 7, Iowa U.S. Senate candidates Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek met for their first debate at Iowa PBS’s studio in Johnston, outside Des Moines. The two sparred over immigration, healthcare, and campaign finance sources.

Hinson, a three-term congresswoman and former TV anchor, faces Turek, a state representative from Council Bluffs and two-time Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair basketball. They debated immigration amnesty, the Dignity Act, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, as well as Hinson’s vote on the Iran war and a resolution to withdraw U.S. Forces from Lebanon.

Turek criticized Hinson’s wealth, claiming she is 15 times richer, citing her 2025 disclosure. Hinson refuted, noting her assets grew from $726k-2.4m in 2020 to $2.3-8.8m in 2025, largely due to her husband’s stake in Highstreet Insurance Partners.

The debate also covered Hinson’s vote against a resolution to end the Iran war and a vote against a resolution to withdraw U.S. Forces from Lebanon. The candidates discussed border security, deportation, and citizenship pathways for immigrants, setting the stage for the upcoming Senate race.

Read the full story at kcci.com.