Representative Ashley Hinson, who is anticipated to be the Republican nominee in Iowa’s crucial Senate race, recently expressed concerns that the ongoing conflict with Iran could become a “political liability” if it continues for much longer. This sentiment was captured in audio obtained by POLITICO.
In a private conversation with a voter in Webster County, Hinson was asked about the timeline for the war. She responded, “I’m deferring to the president on the negotiations because he has the team doing it.” Despite this, Hinson expressed her hope for a resolution within the next few weeks, emphasizing the political risks if the conflict persists, especially given the loss of Iowa soldiers. “I’ve been to four funerals since December, it’s awful,” she said.
Hinson’s comments mark a significant acknowledgment for someone who has consistently supported President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill, particularly concerning military matters, and has consistently opposed efforts to limit his military authority.
Although Hinson did not explicitly criticize the war in Iran during her conversation, she reiterated the importance of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. She also noted that families of the fallen soldiers from Iowa believe the mission should be completed. Her remarks highlight growing Republican concerns about the potential political repercussions of an extended conflict, especially amid rising gas prices and the increased risk of American casualties.
A spokesperson for Hinson stated, “Of course endless wars are unpopular — no one wants them and thankfully President Trump is doing everything he can to prevent one while keeping Americans safe. Ashley fully supports his mission to keep nuclear weapons out of Iran’s hands.”
While some Republicans, like Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), have criticized the conflict, few candidates endorsed by Trump in competitive races have publicly addressed the political challenges posed by the war.
Hinson is expected to secure victory in the upcoming GOP primary for Iowa’s open Senate seat and face the Democratic candidate, either state Senator Zach Wahls or state Representative Josh Turek, in November. This race is anticipated to be one of the most closely watched as both parties vie for control of the Senate.
Trump endorsed Hinson’s Senate campaign last year and reiterated his support for her in a Truth Social post on Monday night.
Early polling indicates closely contested races between Hinson and either Wahls or Turek. However, the dynamics could shift as the election approaches.
The White House has offered inconsistent estimates on when the Iran conflict might conclude, causing frustration among some Republican strategists and officials. Polling indicates that voters are increasingly discontent with both the president and the ongoing war, particularly as economic concerns persist ahead of the midterms.
According to a May POLITICO poll, a majority of Americans, including many Trump supporters, feel the war has increased their expenses, and they believe Trump is not doing enough to mitigate these costs. A Florida-based Republican strategist, speaking anonymously, noted, “The sooner the war winds down … the better off [Trump] is, at least for the midterms.”
Despite these concerns, the president remains firm in his position that preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is paramount. “I don’t care about the midterms,” he stated during a recent Cabinet meeting while discussing the pace of ending the conflict.
The conflict with Iran is particularly troubling for Iowans as it has led to spikes in fertilizer and diesel prices, crucial for agriculture, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Coupled with Trump’s trade policies, this has exacerbated challenges for the state’s agricultural sector. The state has also faced personal losses, with six Army Reserve soldiers from the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, killed in an Iranian strike on a Kuwait facility.
A spokesperson for Hinson remarked, “Ashley has stood side-by-side with grieving Iowa families whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. She will always honor their service and stand with our men and women in uniform carrying out this critical mission.”
