DES MOINES, Iowa — Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) announced on Tuesday that she is running for US Senate.

Hinson made the announcement just several hours after Sen. Joni Ernst confirmed she wouldn’t be running for reelection, and released the following statement about her candidacy:

The America First agenda is working for Iowans. I’m running for Senate because there’s more work to do, and I am prepared to win and deliver. My priorities are Iowans’ priorities — I hear them every day. Securing our borders and deporting illegal aliens. Keeping men out of girls’ sports and returning common sense to classrooms. Defending our farmers and supporting Iowa agriculture. Promoting peace through strength with the strongest and most lethal military in the world. Strengthening Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security for our seniors. And helping young Iowans who are trying to buy a house and start a family. I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with President Trump to reverse the woke craziness and put working families first. In the Senate, I’ll be President Trump’s strongest ally and deliver the America First agenda

Hinson got her start in politics as a state representative before being elected to the US Congress in 2021, where she is currently serving her second term.

Several candidates have thrown their hats into the ring to take over the Senate seat. The democratic candidates include Des Moines School Board Member Jackie Norris, State Representative Josh Turek, State Senator Zach Wahls, and Nathan Sage, while the republican candidates include State Senator Jim Carlin and Joshua Smith.

This is a developing story, check back to www.who13.com for updates.