Democrats, Hinson campaign clash over health care record in Iowa’s race for U.S. Senate
Thu, July 23, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Democrats, Hinson campaign clash over health care record in Iowa Senate race (Iowa’s News Now/Kyle Kacena)
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa —Health care took center stage Thursday in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race as Iowa Democrats criticized U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s voting record
The Iowa Democratic Party hosted a news conference in Cedar Rapids where speakers argued Hinson’s votes in Congress have contributed to higher health insurance premiums and reduced access to care across the state
State Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, said Iowans will continue to face rising health care costs if current federal policies remain in place
“It’s only going to get worse,” Zabner said. “Thousands of Iowans will see average health insurance costs increase by double digits. Beyond the Affordable Care Act, her vote for the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill is threatening to kick another 110,000 Iowans off of their health care. Taken together, her votes are creating an unparalleled health care crisis in Iowa.”
Democrats also criticized Hinson for voting against extending enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, arguing their expiration will increase insurance costs for many marketplace enrollees. The party also pointed to reports showing Iowa has experienced more health care facility closures than openings since Hinson took office
Hinson’s campaign rejected those claims, saying the congresswoman has focused on strengthening rural health care, lowering prescription drug costs and expanding access to medical services. The campaign says she has secured federal funding for several health care projects, including expansions or upgrades at hospitals and clinics in Grinnell, Decorah, West Union and Marshalltown
“There is only one candidate in this race who delivered $50 billion for rural healthcare in Iowa and nationwide — and that’s Ashley Hinson,” Campaign Communications Director Billy Fuerst said in a statement. “In the Senate, Ashley will work with both parties to lower healthcare costs for families, expand access to care in rural Iowa, and bring down the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and veterans.”
The campaign also criticized Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek, saying he missed votes in the Iowa Legislature related to rural health care expansion, funding for the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans’ health benefits
Turek’s campaign did not host the event on Thursday but agreed with many points made, saying Hinson’s record on healthcare has hurt Iowans and cut access to hundreds of thousands of Iowans
“Iowans are facing rising health care costs because Ashley Hinson would rather give tax breaks to billionaires than make sure Iowans can afford to see their doctor,” a campaign spokesperson told Iowa’s News Now. “No matter what she says, Iowans know that hundreds of health care facilities have closed, thousands of folks are paying higher premiums, and far too many people are losing their health care altogether as a direct result of Hinson’s votes.”
