President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Iowa Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson as she seeks to move from the House to the U.S. Senate in 2026.

Trump’s endorsement followed Sen. Joni Ernst’s announcement that she would not pursue another term, opening the door to a competitive race that has already drawn multiple Democratic Party contenders, as Just the News reports.

Ernst, who has represented Iowa in the Senate since 2015, said she would step aside to spend more time with her family. Her decision created an opportunity that Hinson quickly seized by launching her campaign just days later.

Trump highlights Iowa ties

On Friday, Trump issued his public endorsement of Hinson. He underscored his strong electoral history in Iowa and framed Hinson as the best person to continue Ernst’s work in the Senate.

“I know Ashley well, and she is a WINNER,” Trump said, before adding that she had consistently delivered results for her state. His endorsement signaled that Hinson would likely receive robust support from Iowa Republicans loyal to Trump.

Trump also praised Hinson’s personal background. He described her as a devoted wife and proud mother, noting that she had always placed Iowa’s needs at the forefront of her work in Congress.

Hinson makes swift decision

Hinson, a two-term congresswoman, formally launched her Senate campaign on a Tuesday, soon after Ernst’s announcement. By moving swiftly, she positioned herself as the leading Republican in the race.

The congresswoman previously represented Iowa’s 1st Congressional District and built her political brand on issues such as fiscal responsibility and agriculture. Her Senate bid aims to expand her profile statewide.

Hinson’s decision reflects the high stakes of an open Senate seat in Iowa, a state that has leaned Republican in recent presidential elections but has also seen Democrats mount competitive campaigns in the past.

Democrats enter the fray

Several Democrats have already entered the contest, signaling a potentially crowded primary and a tough general election fight. State Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls are among the early entrants.

Also in the race are Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nathan Sage and Des Moines School Board Chairperson Jackie Norris. Their candidacies highlight Democrats’ intent to challenge for the open seat with a diverse slate of contenders.

The Democrat hopefuls have emphasized a range of priorities, from education and economic growth to social policy, reflecting their efforts to broaden their appeal across the state.

Trump offers full support

In his endorsement statement, Trump declared that Hinson would be an “outstanding Senator” and stressed that she would not disappoint voters. He credited her with dedication to Iowa’s communities and argued she would continue that service in the upper chamber.

“Ashley Hinson will be an outstanding Senator, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement -- SHE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN,” Trump said in his statement, capitalizing words to emphasize his message.

By backing Hinson early, Trump sought to unite Republicans around a single candidate and avoid a drawn-out intra-party battle. His words may also discourage other Republicans from entering the race.

Campaign to draw national attention

The contest for Ernst’s seat is expected to become one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races in 2026. With Trump’s involvement and multiple Democrats running, the campaign could draw significant outside spending and national media attention.

For Republicans, retaining the seat is critical to maintaining influence in the Senate, where margins remain narrow. For Democrats, the race represents a chance to flip a seat in a Midwestern state that has swung between the parties in recent history.

As the campaign unfolds, Iowa voters will hear competing visions for the state’s future, with candidates highlighting their positions on agriculture, healthcare, education, and national policy priorities.