Cruz backs Hinson in Iowa as Trump cancels Dubuque rally
The Texas senator joined the state's Senate race in Council Bluffs, while the Republican candidate vowed to secure the seat despite the cancellation of a major presidential event.
By Ethan Mitchell ·
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz arrived in Council Bluffs to support Ashley Hinson, creating a competitive dynamic in the Iowa Senate race with Election Day less than a week away. Hinson, the Republican nominee, faces off against Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek as both candidates make final appeals to voters. Cruz's presence marks a high-profile endorsement for Hinson in a district that remains statistically balanced.
During a campaign stop at a local bowling alley, supporters chanted "Fight for Iowa" as Cruz addressed the crowd. The senator has spent the past two weeks traveling through Alaska, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Michigan. He characterized the upcoming vote as the most consequential midterm election of his generation. Cruz stated that the Iowa seat is right in the balance, indicating its potential impact on the overall Senate majority.
The campaign faces a scheduling hurdle after the Republican National Committee announced Thursday evening that President Donald Trump canceled a planned rally in Dubuque. Hinson maintained that the cancellation will not alter her strategy for the closing days of the campaign. She committed to earning every single vote over the next four or five days to retain the U.S. Senate seat for the Republican Party.
Hinson framed her candidacy as a personal mission driven by her role as a mother. She is the mother of two teenage boys, ages fifteen and thirteen. She said she entered the race to protect the future for her children, describing the contest as a necessary fight for their well-being.
Cruz, who won the Iowa caucus in 2016, fielded questions about a potential 2028 presidential bid. He deferred the discussion until after the midterms, stating he is fully focused on the current election. He praised Hinson as a rock star and an incredibly strong candidate, noting that she stands out among the numerous candidates he has supported across the country.
Voters in Iowa will cast ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. The state's Senate race is expected to be one of the closest in the nation, with both parties focusing resources on the final stretch of campaigning.
