Congresswoman Ashley Hinson Campaigns for U.S. Senate at St. Anthony Cancer Center

Iowa Republican visits healthcare facility as part of bid for open Senate seat

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-Marion) visited the St. Anthony Cancer Center on Tuesday as part of her campaign for the U.S. Senate. Hinson, who currently represents Iowa's 2nd Congressional District, met with hospital staff and toured the facility to highlight the importance of healthcare, especially in rural areas. Following the tour, Hinson held a closed-door meeting with staff to discuss how she would address healthcare issues if elected to the Senate.

Why it matters

Hinson's visit to the St. Anthony Cancer Center is part of her broader campaign for the open U.S. Senate seat in Iowa. As a Republican, her policy positions on healthcare and rural issues could have a significant impact on the race and the future of healthcare access in the state.

The details

Hinson, who announced her Senate bid just hours after current U.S. Senator Joni Ernst said she would not seek re-election, has been endorsed by Ernst, former President Donald Trump, and other prominent Republicans. She is running against former state Senator Jim Carlin in the GOP primary, while the Democratic nominees are state Sen. Zach Wahls (D-Coralville) and Rep. Josh Turek (D-Council Bluffs).

  • Hinson announced her Senate bid just hours after current U.S. Senator Joni Ernst said she would not seek re-election.
  • Hinson visited the St. Anthony Cancer Center on Tuesday as part of her campaign.

The players

Ashley Hinson

An Iowa Congresswoman representing the state's 2nd Congressional District, Hinson is running for the open U.S. Senate seat in Iowa as a Republican.

Joni Ernst

The current U.S. Senator from Iowa, Ernst has endorsed Hinson as her successor.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President has also endorsed Hinson's Senate campaign.

Jim Carlin

A former state Senator, Carlin is running against Hinson in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat.

Zach Wahls

A state Senator representing Coralville, Wahls is one of the Democratic nominees for the U.S. Senate seat.

Josh Turek

A state Representative from Council Bluffs, Turek is also running as a Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat.

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What they’re saying

“Being able to visit places like this across Iowa showcases just how important healthcare, especially in rural areas truly is.”

— Ashley Hinson, Congresswoman (1380kcim.com)

“It's the government's job as federal partners to hospitals to help to solve the problems that she is continuously hearing about.”

— Ashley Hinson, Congresswoman (1380kcim.com)

What’s next

Hinson will continue her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat, facing off against Carlin in the Republican primary before the general election.

The takeaway

Hinson's visit to the St. Anthony Cancer Center highlights the importance of healthcare access, especially in rural areas, as a key issue in the Iowa Senate race. Her policy positions on this topic could sway voters as she seeks to secure the Republican nomination and ultimately the open Senate seat.