Hinson, Turek make cases to Iowa voters as state fair poll released

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa —

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced the results on Monday of the unscientific Iowa State Fair Straw Poll.

The unscientific poll allowed nearly 3,000 fairgoers to select their preferred candidates using tablets at the Iowa Secretary of State’s booth during the 11-day state fair.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson led Democrat Josh Turek, according to results released by the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office.

KETV NewsWatch 7 spoke with Turek and Hinson about why they believe they’re the right choice for Iowa.

Turek said the race represents an opportunity to bring a new voice to the U.S. Senate.

“I think that this is a generational opportunity to, once again, have someone from Iowa in the U.S. Senate who’s fighting for the people, fighting for social and economic justice,” Turek said.

Hinson, a member of the U.S. House, touted her experience working with both Republican and Democratic administrations.

“I’m an effective leader in the U.S. House delivering for Iowans under both presidents,” Hinson said. “It’s my job to get things done, no matter who has the gavel, no matter who’s in the White House.”

Pate said the straw poll is intended to encourage Iowans to participate in the election process, in addition to offering a snapshot of voter preferences.

The 2026 midterm election is scheduled for Nov. 3. Iowa voters can begin requesting absentee ballots Tuesday through the Secretary of State’s website.

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