Ashley Hinson Championed as Advocate for Iowa Agriculture

Trish Cook argues Hinson will be a strong voice for farmers in the U.S. Senate

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In a letter to the editor, Trish Cook of Winthrop, Iowa expresses her support for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson, stating that Hinson will be a fierce advocate for Iowa's agricultural interests in Washington. Cook cites Hinson's efforts to expand market access for Iowa producers through trade agreements and her leadership in opposing Proposition 12, a California ballot measure that Cook says is driving up food costs.

Why it matters

Iowa's agricultural sector is a major economic driver for the state, so having a strong advocate for farmers' interests in the U.S. Senate is seen as crucial. The letter highlights the political divide over issues like trade policy and state-level regulations that can impact Iowa's agricultural producers.

The details

In the letter, Trish Cook praises Ashley Hinson's record of listening to Iowa farmers and fiercely advocating for their needs in Congress, even when it means bucking the "Washington status quo." Cook specifically cites Hinson's work to expand market access for Iowa producers through trade agreements, as well as her leadership in opposing Proposition 12, a California ballot measure that Cook says is driving up food costs for consumers.

  • The letter was published on February 13, 2026.

The players

Ashley Hinson

A Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Iowa who is positioned as a strong advocate for the state's agricultural interests.

Trish Cook

A resident of Winthrop, Iowa who authored the letter to the editor in support of Ashley Hinson.

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What they’re saying

“Ashley Hinson is the advocate Iowa agriculture needs in the U.S. Senate. She listens to us, and fiercely advocates for our needs when the Washington status quo is stacking the deck against us.”

— Trish Cook, Winthrop resident (thegazette.com)

“She's fought to expand market access for Iowa producers through stronger trade agreements. She is also the leading voice to overturn Prop 12 — a California ballot measure that is driving up food costs.”

— Trish Cook, Winthrop resident (thegazette.com)

The takeaway

This letter highlights the importance of having a strong advocate for Iowa's agricultural interests in the U.S. Senate, as the sector is a major economic driver for the state. The political divide over issues like trade policy and state-level regulations that impact farmers is a key theme.