With Election Day hours away, Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Representative Josh Turek closed their campaigns for Iowa's U.S. Senate seat on Monday by zeroing in on the same issue: the cost of living for working families.
Both candidates posted final messages to voters on X in the last 24 hours of the race, framing affordability as the deciding question in a contest that polls show is a dead heat. According to Newsweek, the race is one of several Senate battles that will determine control of Congress, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to take the Senate and three to take the House.
Hinson's Closing Message: Lower Costs, No Partisan Games
Hinson, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, told Iowans on Sunday that families are doing everything right and still falling behind.
Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: Too many Iowans feel like they're being priced out of the American Dream, Hinson posted.
She said the cost of gas, groceries, housing, healthcare and childcare is stretching family budgets, and she pointed a finger at Washington politicians who have forgotten how hard people are working.
I've never been interested in partisan talking points when there's a problem to solve, she continued. If there's a good idea that will lower costs and make life better for Iowa families, I'll work with anyone to get it done. And when Washington gets it wrong, I won't be afraid to fight back.
Turek's Closing Pitch to Voters
Turek, a state representative from Council Bluffs, posted his final message Monday after nearly 15 months of campaigning across the state.
This is it. Tomorrow is Election Day, Turek wrote. Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: Iowans are hurting. Tomorrow, we have a generational chance to change this state and fix this country.
His campaign has centered on cutting taxes for the middle class, a federal ban on price gouging on food, and raising the minimum wage.
Where Hinson Stands on Taxes, Fuel and Family Budgets
Hinson has laid out a different set of priorities if she wins the Senate seat. She wants to make the no-tax provisions on tips, overtime and Social Security permanent, a policy championed by President Trump.
She has also pushed for year-round E15 ethanol sales to bring down gas prices, an issue with direct impact on Iowa drivers and the state's agriculture economy. In addition, she has campaigned on protecting the enhanced child tax credit and strengthening childcare provisions.
Healthcare Rises as a Top Voter Concern
Behind the economy, healthcare ranked as the second-biggest concern among likely Iowa voters in an Emerson Polling survey of 650 voters conducted October 5 and 6.
Yahoo News reported that healthcare may be Turek's strongest issue, with the Democrat holding a lead among voters who rank it first, while Hinson's advantage among economy-focused voters stands at 47 percent to 43 percent.
Turek has said he would push to restore full Medicaid funding for Iowans at risk of losing coverage because of the One Big Beautiful Bill, cap prescription drug prices, and return Iowa's abortion laws to the standards that existed under Roe v. Wade.
Hinson has campaigned on holding Big Pharma accountable, ending surprise medical billing for new parents, and forcing large health insurance companies to publish claim delays and denials that hurt patients and seniors.
What the Final Polls Show
Two late surveys show the race is too close to call.
A New York Times/Siena University poll of 705 likely voters, conducted October 26 through November 1, put Turek ahead 47 percent to 46 percent, with 5 percent undecided.
A YouGov poll of 2,016 likely voters, conducted October 26 through 29, showed Turek at 50 percent and Hinson at 49 percent.
Iowa has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008 or to the governor's office since 2006, and the state backed Trump by 13 points in 2024. National Democrats have nonetheless poured resources into the state as their path to a Senate majority narrows.
How and When to Vote in Iowa
Early voting remains open through Monday. On Tuesday, Election Day, polls across Iowa open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. local time. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. will still be allowed to cast a ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading in the Iowa Senate race?
Josh Turek holds a narrow lead in the most recent polls, but the race remains within the margin of error.
When do Iowa polls open on Election Day?
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday, November 3.
What are Ashley Hinson's top policy priorities?
Hinson has campaigned on making no tax on tips, overtime and Social Security permanent, expanding year-round E15 sales, and protecting the enhanced child tax credit.