Campaigns clash in Cedar Rapids over health care records in U.S. Senate race

CEDAR RAPIDS — The race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst shifted sharply to health care on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as the Iowa Democratic Party hosted a news conference in Cedar Rapids to criticize Republican nominee Ashley Hinson.

State Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, told reporters that Hinson's votes in Congress are driving up health insurance costs and threatening coverage for thousands of residents. Zabner pointed to federal votes on the Affordable Care Act and the One Big Beautiful Bill, arguing they have deepened financial strain for patients across the state.

"Taken together, her votes are creating an unparalleled health care crisis in Iowa," Zabner said at the event.

Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Josh Turek’s campaign echoed those criticisms. A campaign spokesperson argued that hundreds of health care facilities have closed and premiums are climbing as a direct result of Hinson's legislative record.

Data from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing shows that 842 licensed health care entities have closed across the state since Hinson took federal office in 2021, while 468 entities have opened. Those closures include two hospitals, a critical access hospital, 11 rural health clinics, and 46 nursing homes.

In response, Hinson's campaign defended her record and turned the focus back on her opponent. Billy Fuerst, Hinson's campaign communications director, said in a statement that Hinson secured federal funding for expansions and upgrades at hospitals and clinics in communities including Grinnell, Decorah, West Union, and Marshalltown, while also pointing to a $50 billion rural health fund.

"There is only one candidate in this race who delivered $50 billion for rural healthcare in Iowa and nationwide — and that's Ashley Hinson," Fuerst said. The campaign also countered by alleging that Turek missed key legislative votes in the Iowa Legislature related to rural health care expansion and veterans' health benefits.

The health care debate comes amid a tight contest for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election. A June poll by The New York Times and Siena College showed Hinson leading Turek 48% to 46%, with 5% of likely voters undecided and a margin of error of plus or minus 4.7 percentage points.