CENTRAL CITY, Iowa – U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, officially launched her reelection campaign in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District.
On Saturday, she announced her reelection campaign at her first BBQ Bash held at the Linn County Fairgrounds that featured U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, Gov. Kim Reynolds, former Ambassador Terry Branstad, and Republican National Chairwoman Ronna McDaniels.
“So I ran for Congress, for a couple reasons. Actually, the list was pretty long. But, really, for me, it was about being able to go to Washington, D.C. and tell your stories because that’s what I did. I was a storyteller. And I understand how important making sure Iowa’s voice is heard in Washington, D.C., and trying to cut through that chaos and dysfunction. I’m a mom who drives a minivan. I bring a little Iowa common sense to Washington, D.C. And that was my goal because I understand how important those Iowa values are to all of us in this room because Iowa’s values are heartland values, and heartland values are American values,” Hinson said.
“So before the pandemic, I think we all know we had the greatest economy in our history. People were working. Schools were open. Things were going well. The Republican formula of lower taxes, less regulation, and letting people do what they do best was working for our country. But as we know, we have a few people who seem to want to take our country in the wrong direction. And we’re seeing the consequences of that, under the leadership of President Biden and a U.S. House of Representatives,” she stated.
Hinson said the Afghanistan crisis “made her blood boil.”
“We’ve put our safety and security at risk, both here at home and overseas and on the global stage. So we’ve seen what that failure looks like,” she said.
Hinson turned her attention to the $6 trillion in proposed spending.
“I was trying to explain to my kids, Max and Jack, who are somewhere in the room with us here today, how many zeros are in a trillion. I tried to explain everything to them and Matchbox cars, you know, because they understand that. A Matchbox car is a dollar. I said ‘you know, guys, it’s a trillion Matchbox cars that they spent on this.’ It really hits home. Because if my eight and 10-year-old understand that, it’s our job to try to make sure the Democrats in Congress understand that we will not stand for this kind of spending long term and we have to speak up,” she said.
“So I knew it was important to go fight for taxpayers because we also have the spending crisis, we have an inflation crisis. Life is less affordable under this current administration. I know when I went to go fill up that minivan a few weeks ago, it was the most I’d spent since I got it in 2013 when my eight-year-old was in diapers,” Hinson added.
She then highlighted the border crisis.
“I had a chance to go down to the border myself and see it firsthand, and talk to those Customs and Border Patrol agents who are putting their lives on the line every day for us to keep us state safe. We understand here in Iowa, every state is a border state. And so we are talking about that everywhere we can because we are seeing more illegal immigrants flood across our southern border than the entire population of the city of Cedar Rapids every month. If that (doesn’t) put it in perspective for you. I don’t know what does. But this is clearly a surge at our border. And we need accountability because this is a safety and security issue. What do we need to do? We need to build the wall. We need to secure our border, and we need to make sure we are fighting for Americans at the border,” Hinson said.
She stated that she is fighting for former President Donald Trump’s policies in Congress because they worked.
“We know they worked at the border, and they kept Americans safe. So again, I’m fighting for taxpayers. I’m fighting for the safety and security of our families,” Hinson stated.
She said Washington had lost touch with rural Americans.
“They seem to have completely lost touch with what matters here. But I can tell you one thing. I know when I’m out in all 20 counties in the district talking with folks, I hear your kitchen table conversations. I understand our farmers are feeding and fueling the world, and we have to stand up for them and support them every step of the way,” Hinson remarked.
“So our to-do list in Washington DC is very long right now, as you can imagine. We’re fighting against a spending spree like none other. We’re fighting a national security crisis. So what am I trying to do? I’m trying to make sure I’m standing up for taxpayers by standing against this crazy out-of-control spending. I’m fighting for taxpayers and for rural America by standing up for our small businesses, trying to make those tax cuts permanent long term. We need to get the government out of the way,” she added.
Hinson explained why she is running for reelection.
“We all know what’s at stake in this next election, don’t we? It is truly the future of this country. I know it, you know it. It’s why you’re here today. It’s why I’m here today. And it’s why you sent me to Washington, D.C. to work for you to be your voice. And I am here today to say no matter what storm comes in the next year; we are ready to fight. We are ready to win, and we are ready to retire Nancy Pelosi. So it is an honor, an absolute honor, for me to represent you in Washington D.C., to fight for your families and fight for mine.” she added. “I am asking for your support to be your representative in Washington, D.C., and I am announcing today I am running for reelection to be your Congresswoman.”
“I am going to fight like hell to make sure we take back the House and fire Nancy Pelosi,” Hinson concluded.
