Iowa Senate Race: Attendance Records in Focus as Hinson and Turek Square Off

The Iowa Senate race is heating up as candidates Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek scrutinize each other’s voting attendance. This contest, one of the most competitive this year, pits Democrat Josh Turek, an Iowa state representative, against Republican Ashley Hinson, a U.S. representative. They aim to fill the seat of retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst. Polls indicate a close race as the November 2026 midterms loom.

Controversy over Voting Attendance

Attendance records have become a focal point in the campaign. In September, Hinson criticized Turek’s voting history, asserting he missed 58% of votes at the Iowa Statehouse this year. Turek’s team, however, counters by highlighting Hinson’s own missed votes since she joined Congress in 2021.

Hinson’s Criticisms of Turek

Hinson took to social media, accusing Turek of neglecting important votes and claiming his record of support for liberal policies is inappropriate for Iowans. She stated, “Josh Turek skipped 58% of the votes at the State House this year,” also criticizing his positions on several policy issues.

Hinson reiterated these criticisms, noting Turek’s absence during a crucial vote to support a major steel plant project in Iowa. She argued this highlights his inattentiveness to projects that affect local job opportunities.

Turek’s Defense

In response, Turek’s campaign defended his effectiveness and bipartisanship, citing over 700 votes alongside Republicans on issues such as cost reduction and safety. They also pointed out Hinson’s own record of missed votes, including key legislative votes in Congress.

Comparing Their Records

For the legislative session from January 12 to April 2, Turek missed 58% of the votes, according to Politifact. His attendance improved in 2025, missing only 9.8% of House votes. Despite these absences, his campaign did not provide specific reasons.

Hinson, since her election in 2021, reportedly missed 163 committee and 33 floor votes. Some of these absences were attributed to illness. Floor votes are crucial as they involve the entire House and attract more public scrutiny than committee votes.

The Current Polls

Recent polls reflect a competitive race. A Rasmussen Reports poll gave Turek a 4-point advantage over Hinson, while a Fox News poll showed Turek leading slightly among registered voters. However, a Quantus Insights poll slightly favored Hinson.

The polls have varied, with margins of error and different voter samples influencing the results. This variability underscores the uncertainty surrounding the outcome.

Political Stakes

The Iowa Senate race could influence which party controls the Senate. Should Turek win, it may signal a shift in voter sentiment towards Democratic candidates, a potentially significant trend ahead of the 2028 general elections. This race remains a key focus as candidates continue to spar publicly over policies and records.