Hinson and Turek Exchanged Attacks Over Senate Ad
Iowa Senate candidates sparred over accusations in a new attack ad ahead of the upcoming election.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Elections
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U.S. Senate candidates Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek traded accusations following the release of an attack ad by the Democratic super PAC WinSenate. The ad specifically targets Hinson over her voting record regarding the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
Why it matters
The exchange underscores the intense competition for control of the U.S. Senate chamber. Both candidates are leveraging national controversies to sway voters as the election cycle reaches its final weeks.
The controversy centers on a claim that Hinson received $90,000 from Epstein donors, a figure contested by her campaign. Meanwhile, Hinson supported the Epstein Files Transparency Act last year but declined to sign a petition to force a House vote.
The players
Ashley Hinson
She is a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa competing to win a seat in the chamber.
Josh Turek
He is a U.S. Senate candidate in Iowa campaigning against incumbent interests for control of the Senate.
WinSenate
This Democratic super PAC is actively producing political attack advertisements to influence the U.S. Senate race.
The details
The Democratic super PAC WinSenate released an ad claiming Hinson voted to keep Epstein files secret, despite her support for the Epstein Files Transparency Act in 2025. Hinson held a press conference to address the ad, while Turek campaigned at Ichi Bike in Des Moines to highlight his opposition's record.
Timeline
Ashley Hinson voted for the Epstein Files Transparency Act in 2025.
The candidates held separate campaign events in Des Moines on September 30, 2026.
A debate is scheduled for October 13, 2026.
Early voting in Iowa begins on October 14, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of Hinson argue that her refusal to sign a petition for a House vote effectively stalled the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Conversely, supporters note her public vote in favor of the legislation as evidence of her commitment to the issue.
Voters should prepare for increased political messaging as the state moves toward early voting on October 14. These claims impact how citizens evaluate candidate integrity and policy positions before heading to the polls.
The takeaway
Voters should carefully cross-reference campaign attack ads with verified legislative records to distinguish between political rhetoric and actual policy votes. Understanding the nuance of these legislative actions is crucial for informed participation in the upcoming election.
What happens next
The candidates will face off in a televised debate on WHO 13 News on October 13, 2026, starting at 9 p.m., followed by the start of early voting in Iowa on October 14, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the race, visit Iowa Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Who13.
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