Iowa Senate hopeful defends record as opponent attacks voting attendance

In a debate for Iowa’s vacant Senate seat, Democratic Rep. Josh Turek faced criticism from Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson over his low attendance in the state House, where he missed roughly 58% of votes since the 2026 session began. Turek argued that his extensive travel to meet voters in every county required him to be absent from legislative votes. Hinson responded by emphasizing her bipartisan achievements, a top-20% ranking among lawmakers, and a 99% attendance record even while campaigning for the U.S. Senate, noting she has conducted 47 in-person town halls and over 30 phone sessions.

A campaign spokesperson for Hinson clarified that her missed votes total 193 over her congressional tenure, while Turek’s missed votes are limited to one outlet legislative session. The spokesperson also detailed Hinson’s 98.8% lifetime voting rate and full participation in final passage votes on the Appropriations Committee. Turek’s campaign did not comment further.