Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson holds a narrow lead over Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race, according to a new poll released Monday by Political Polls.
The survey put Hinson at 45 percent to Turek’s 43 percent, a margin consistent with earlier polling that showed Hinson ahead but the race still closely divided.
Immigration has emerged as one of the sharpest lines of contrast between the two candidates. Hinson has made border security a central plank of her campaign, calling for strict enforcement of immigration law and the deportation of what she describes as dangerous criminal illegal immigrants.
Turek, meanwhile, has faced scrutiny over his legislative record, which includes votes against three bills that would have restricted diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in Iowa’s public schools. He has also shifted his position over time on welfare benefits for illegal immigrants and, in an official legislative newsletter, advised illegal immigrants on how to avoid detention by ICE.
Turek’s campaign website states he has “spoken out against abuses of power from ICE agents, and believes we need an immigration system that provides a pathway to citizenship.”
Hinson’s campaign has staked out a different position. Her website says, “Every family deserves to feel safe in their home and community. Ashley believes public safety starts with enforcing our laws, supporting law enforcement, and securing our border. She’ll continue fighting for commonsense policies that protect Iowa families while ensuring our immigration system is fair, lawful, and secure.”
In a social media post Friday, Hinson went further, directly attacking her opponent’s voting record.
“Josh Turek is too liberal for Iowa. He voted to use your tax dollars to give welfare benefits to illegal immigrants. He voted to let kids secretly change their gender at school without parental consent. And he voted to make it easier for politicians like himself to raise your taxes. The more Iowans get to know him, the less they like him.”
The poll comes as Iowa voters prepare for the midterm elections and as President Donald Trump continues to campaign for Republican candidates across several states.
