U.S. SENATE · DEBATE COVERAGE
Hinson and Turek debate fuel costs, retirement and their records
Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek found common ground on opposing Russian diesel imports but differed over ending the Iran war during their October 13 Senate debate. Questions about Social Security, missed legislative votes and stock holdings also put both candidates’ records under scrutiny.
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The hour-long debate took place at WHO 13’s Des Moines studios, moderated by WHO 13’s Amanda Krenz and KCAU’s Tim Seaman. It was their second and final scheduled debate for the Senate seat Joni Ernst is leaving. Nexstar’s debate announcement · WHO 13’s recap, via AOL
Fuel prices and the Iran war
Both candidates opposed the administration’s Russian diesel deal as a way to lower fuel costs. Hinson advocated temporary gas-tax relief, possible diesel rebates for producers and investment in biofuels. Turek proposed suspending federal and state gas taxes and diesel exports, and using strategic oil reserves. Iowa Capital Dispatch reporting, carried by News From The States
Turek linked the Iran war to higher costs for Iowa households and farmers and criticized Hinson’s opposition to war-powers resolutions. Hinson said she wanted the conflict to end but maintained that another House resolution was unnecessary because the president and military could bring it to an end. KCRG’s debate coverage
Retirement and accountability
Hinson said she would not support raising Social Security’s retirement age or cutting benefits. Turek challenged her earlier openness to raising the age and advocated lifting the payroll-tax cap to strengthen the program’s finances. Des Moines Register coverage, via AOL
Asked about missed Iowa House votes during the 2026 session, Turek acknowledged campaigning around the state and pointed to his attendance in earlier sessions. Hinson emphasized her congressional attendance; Turek challenged her record of holding in-person town halls. Those competing claims concern different measures of how elected officials serve voters. Des Moines Register coverage
Turek also questioned Hinson’s finances and private stock holdings. Hinson said she and her husband had sold their publicly traded stocks and were not actively trading, while acknowledging private holdings connected to the sale of her husband’s business. This distinguishes ownership of private stock from active trading; it does not independently resolve the candidates’ broader dispute over financial interests. Radio Iowa’s recap
The choice ahead
Libertarian Thomas Laehn is also running for the seat but did not meet Nexstar’s participation criteria, according to WHO 13. WHO 13’s debate rules
For candidate information and polling, visit Iowa’s congressional races.
Sources: Broadcaster reporting and the linked coverage of the October 13 debate.