State Rep. Ashley Hinson is running for the Republican nomination in Iowa’s First Congressional District. For more information about her candidacy, visit here.
1. What is the purpose of government:
The role of government is to promote and protect the principles of the constitution and the Declaration of Independence. First and foremost, life and liberty. The government has a responsibility to protect the lives and liberties of the American people as stated in those founding documents.
2. What issues do you consider non-negotiable:
I’m focused on solving the issues that really matter to Iowa families: lowering the cost of prescription drugs, ending the crisis at our border, and helping hardworking families keep more of their paycheck.
3. What one thing would you most like to accomplish should you earn a seat in Congress:
Rebuilding our economy and getting Iowa back to work as quickly and safely as possible. The economic pain caused by COVID-19 is real and personal for every Iowan. In order to rebuild our economy, we are going to need to rely on conservative, common sense leadership. Throughout my time representing Iowa’s 67th House District, I have learned firsthand that Iowans are sick and tired of the political games happening in Washington, and they want to see real change.
4. What, if anything, would you do to strengthen religious liberty at the federal level:
Religious freedom is a principle of our Constitution and a fundamental right that our country has fought hard to protect. I will defend Iowans’ rights to religious liberty at the federal level and ensure that people feel safe expressing their practices and beliefs.
5. There are efforts to increase the federal gas tax 25 cents a mile, is this something you’d support:
Philosophically, I am against tax increases and have consistently voted to lower taxes in the Iowa Legislature. Iowa families and small businesses are taxed enough. The government should live within its means and be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. In Congress, I will review each piece of legislation with this in mind.
6. How do you suggest balancing the budget and working toward elimination of the national debt:
As a mom with two young boys, I believe we have a responsibility to make sure debt isn’t piled on the backs of our children and grandchildren. I voted to cut taxes and balance the budget in the Iowa House, creating Iowa’s surplus. In Congress, I would support a Balanced Budget Amendment.
7. Are there any scenarios where you would support a pathway to citizenship and/or amnesty for any illegal immigrants in America:
Children who have been brought to this country through no fault of their own and have never known another home besides the United States deserve a pathway to citizenship. But we must stop the crisis at our border. Washington has been trying to solve the immigration issue for decades and they have done close to nothing. I believe there is a way to work across the aisle to strengthen our border AND address the status of the DACA population. We also need to improve our guest worker programs so that states like Iowa can meet their workforce needs.
8. Do you believe sanctuary cities are a danger to the citizens who live in them and what, if anything, would you do in Congress to either encourage or discourage sanctuary city policies:
Sanctuary cities are a danger to those who live in them and our nation as a whole. We must be a country that enforces the law. In order to keep our kids and our neighborhoods safe we must secure our border, build the wall, crackdown on dangerous sanctuary cities, and immediately deport illegal immigrants who commit crimes.
9. What federal action would you support in terms of climate change, if any:
I believe that there is a way to address the real threat of climate change without destroying our economy. The Green New Deal, for example, will destroy millions of jobs, cost middle-class families tens of thousands of dollars each year in tax increases, all while placing an enormous burden on our farmers and manufacturers.
10. Would you support any red flag gun legislation:
The majority of Americans support the Second Amendment. The majority of Americans want to keep guns out of the hands of bad actors. There is common ground and we can work together to find solutions. But any law pertaining to the second amendment would have to protect due process and law-abiding citizens. We need to have a bi-partisan conversation about how to identify dangerous individuals in our communities and get them the mental health care they need. I’ve been a leader on expanding access to mental health treatment here in Iowa and I will continue that fight this legislative session.
11. Give a general rundown of your on American foreign policy:
American leadership is needed on the world stage and when it is not provided a void is filled and not always by those who have our citizens’ best interests in mind. A strong American presence does not mean we need to engage in every conflict around the world. But it is critical that we are clear in our intentions and that our allies know we will support them.
Throughout my campaign I have made my position on Israel extremely clear: Israel is our biggest ally in the Middle East, and we need to continue standing with Israel to support democracy in the region. I strongly oppose legislation to support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement which seeks to crush Israel’s economy. Israel provides us with valuable intelligence to fight against radical Islamic terror.
Iran remains our largest threat in the Middle East as they continue to support terror against Israel and our other allies in the region. I believe we need to do everything in our power to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon.
I also believe we should continue to address Russian aggression in Ukraine, and elsewhere. The Trump administration has taken strong actions with their sanctions and I would support continued sanctions.
China has ripped off American innovation and stolen our intellectual property for far too long. President Trump’s actions to get tough on China were long overdue and I would support continuing an aggressive approach to make sure we are putting American companies and jobs first—Northeast Iowa depends on it.
12. Do you support term limits for Congress
Yes, I would vote for a term limits bill in Congress.
13. What are your thoughts on the Electoral College:
The electoral college was established to give rural states like Iowa equal representation. Eliminating the Electoral College would silence our voices here in Iowa.
14. What issue can you envision working with Democrat members of Congress on right away:
I will work with anyone who wants to solve problems that matter to Iowa families. Our most pressing issue is putting politics aside to help Americans get back to work as quickly and safely as possible.
15. What excites you most about possibly representing Iowa in Congress:
I’m excited to show Washington what Iowa common sense looks like in practice! I’m truly worried about the direction the country is headed. The bickering and dysfunction we see in Washington on a daily basis is an outrage. We need new leaders in Washington who know how to solve problems, build consensus and get things done–the Iowa way.
Iowa’s First Congressional District:
