EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) nabbed a key endorsement for her Senate race on Monday from Winning for Women PAC, the first super PAC dedicated to electing Republican women to Congress and federal office.

Hinson, who is running to replace outgoing Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), has already emerged as the contest’s favorite among current conservative leaders on Capitol Hill. In a statement shared first with the Washington Examiner, the WFW PAC said Hinson is a “proven conservative leader who has consistently delivered results for Iowa families and championed strong economic and national security policies in Congress.”

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“Ashley has proven she has the grit and determination to win tough fights, and we are thrilled to be in her corner once again,” said Danielle Barrow, president of WFW PAC. “Ashley has been a tireless advocate for Iowa families, from cutting taxes for working families to securing our borders and standing up to China. We are proud to stand with her as she steps forward to take the fight to the U.S. Senate.”

Hinson, a two-term congresswoman, said she is honored to have the PAC’s support and is “confident” that with the group’s network, she can win the race.

“As a mom and a former news anchor who has spent decades listening to Iowans, I know firsthand the challenges they face,” Hinson said. “In the Senate, I will continue fighting to cut taxes for working families, lower costs, secure our border, and make sure Iowans have every opportunity to thrive.”

The congresswoman is likely to face a competitive primary. Former state Sen. Jim Carlin, a trial lawyer who unsuccessfully challenged Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in the 2022 Republican primary, launched a bid to challenge Ernst prior to her retirement announcement. Joshua Smith, a libertarian-turned-Republican, also announced plans to run against the retiring junior Iowa senator.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rated the race “likely Republican,” shifting from “solid Republican” after Ernst announced she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2026. However, recent wins by Democrats in two state special elections could push the Democratic national and state parties to invest heavily in both of Iowa’s open Senate and governor races, positioning the GOP to not overlook the state.

“The stakes of the 2026 election could not be higher,” said Meredith Allen, executive director of WFW PAC. “Democrats have made it clear they are targeting Iowa, and there isn’t anyone better than Ashley to hold this seat and preserve our Republican majority in the U.S. Senate.”

Securing WFW’s endorsement should provide a key boost for Hinson, as the organization raised and directed over $40 million to support female candidates and leaders in the 2020 cycle.

ASHLEY HINSON JUMPS INTO OPEN IOWA SENATE RACE TO REPLACE ERNST

A spokesperson for the PAC told the Washington Examiner it has already “maxed out” to Hinson’s campaign by providing a $5,000 check. Leadership at WFW’s action fund raised over $100,000 hard dollars for Hinson in the 2024 election.

Additional battleground candidates who have received hard dollars from the PAC are Sens. Ashley Moody (R-FL) and Susan Collins (R-ME), as well as Reps. Young Kim (R-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA). Nineteen other incumbents, considered by the PAC to be “conservative champions,” have also received money but are in more secure red seats.