Ashley Elizabeth Hinson Arenholz (born June 27, 1983) is a former TV news anchor and Republican U.S. Representative from Iowa's 2nd Congressional District since 2021. She was the first woman to represent the 67th Iowa House District (2017-2021). Hinson narrowly won her 2020 House race against Democrat Abby Finkenauer and was re-elected in 2022 and 2024 with increasing margins. She announced her Senate campaign on September 2, 2025, hours after incumbent Joni Ernst confirmed she would not seek re-election. Hinson is a resident of Marion, Iowa, married with two children.
Hinson began her career as an award-winning journalist and TV news anchor at KCRG-TV9 in Cedar Rapids from September 2005 to 2016. She served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2017 to 2021, representing the 67th district and becoming the first woman to represent that district. In 2020, she ran for U.S. House in Iowa's 1st Congressional District, narrowly defeating incumbent Democrat Abby Finkenauer with 51.2% of the vote. After redistricting in 2021, she moved to Iowa's 2nd District and has been re-elected with increasing margins (56% in 2022, 57% in 2024). She graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Strong supporter of border enforcement and immigration controls
Hinson pledges to 'secure our border and deport illegal aliens' and supports the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' which increases border security funding.
Voting History: As a U.S. Representative, Hinson voted with Republicans on immigration-related matters.
Opposes transgender participation in sports
Hinson has made 'keeping men out of girl's sports' a central campaign theme and describes herself as a 'mama bear' protecting traditional values.
Voting History: Hinson co-sponsored the After Hours Child Care Act in 2026 as a Representative.
Strong support for tax cuts and business-friendly policies
Supports the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' tax package and emphasizes tax relief for working families and small businesses.
Voting History: Heritage Action gave Hinson a 72% lifetime conservative scorecard score.
Supports Medicaid cuts and program reform
Hinson supported the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' which includes Medicaid cuts, defending the bill as strengthening Medicaid while rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse.
Voting History: Reproductive Freedom for All gave Hinson a 0% score in 2024 on reproductive freedom voting.
Hinson has served in the House since 2021 and compiled a conservative voting record aligned with Republican leadership. She has voted with House Republicans on major party-line votes while occasionally supporting bipartisan measures. GovTrack gave her a leadership/ideology score indicating strong conservative positioning.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 | COVID-19 relief package | Nay | 2021-03-10 | Hinson voted with all House Republicans against the pandemic relief bill supported by Democrats. |
| Respect for Marriage Act | Codifies right to same-sex marriage | Yea | 2022-07-19 | Hinson was one of 47 Republicans who voted to codify same-sex marriage protections. |
| Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2021 | Antitrust enforcement package | Yea | 2022-01-01 | Hinson was one of 39 Republicans supporting antitrust measures to crack down on corporate anti-competitive behavior. |
| Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act | Prohibits state/local production standards on agricultural goods | Yea | 2023-01-01 | Hinson introduced legislation sought to prohibit state and local governments from imposing agricultural production standards, becoming a key point of farm bill negotiations. |
Hinson's social media tone is combative and characterizes opponents as 'radical left' advocates of 'crazy liberal dystopia.' Her campaign rhetoric is much more partisan than her legislative social media, though both emphasize conservative values and Trump alignment.
Hinson announced her Senate candidacy with post: 'I'm running for the United States Senate to fight alongside President Trump and deliver on the America First agenda. From securing our border and deporting illegal aliens, to keeping men out of girl's sports and cutting taxes for working families, I will fight every day for Iowans and our conservative values.'
Campaign launch announcement made hours after Joni Ernst withdrew from the race
View post →Hinson announced the Fertilizer Transparency Act to give farmers access to timely and accurate information on fertilizer prices, introduced jointly with Rep. Dusty Johnson
Agricultural policy focus consistent with campaign priorities
View post →Hinson reintroduced legislation ensuring women 18 and up can access over-the-counter birth control at local pharmacies and improving birth control options for rural women
Healthcare access issue for women, bipartisan focus
View post →Hinson has supported the same policies as Ernst that are unpopular with Iowans which contribute to a 'broken economy' and political corruption in Washington.
Wahls criticized Hinson's support for GOP-backed economic policies during the 2026 campaign
Hinson voted for Medicaid funding cuts that are expected to result in thousands of Iowans losing health coverage.
Hart criticized Hinson's support for the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' which includes Medicaid cuts