U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson missed votes on the annual defense funding bill while attending a Washington, D.C., fundraiser in late June as she campaigns for Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat, according to recent reporting.
Hinson was absent during markup of the 2027 defense bill on June 24, 2026, while attending a fundraising event in the nation’s capital. The Iowa Republican is running for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Joni Ernst.
The missed votes on defense legislation drew attention as Hinson and her Democratic opponent, state Representative Josh Turek, compete in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate races. Turek’s campaign highlighted the absences in response to scrutiny over his own missed votes while fundraising, noting that both candidates have balanced legislative duties with campaign demands.
Hinson won the Republican primary on June 2 with Trump’s endorsement and has maintained a strong conservative voting record in Congress. Her campaign noted that she has a 98.8% lifetime voting record since her election to the House in 2020. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with recent polling showing a competitive race between the two candidates.
Sources
- Fox News — Reported that Hinson skipped votes on the annual defense funding bill to attend a D.C. fundraiser on June 24, 2026
- The Hill — Reported on polling in the Iowa Senate race showing Turek leading Hinson by 4 points as of July 2, 2026
