Congresswoman, GOP Senate candidate Hinson at Lillie Mae’s Saturday

T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY — Aimee Deimerly Snyder, left, and Iowa Second District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson share a light moment during a conversation Saturday afternoon at Lillie Mae's Chocolates in Marshalltown.
Surrounded by legendary chocolates, Iowa Second District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-Marion) stopped at Lillie Mae’s Chocolates Saturday afternoon in Marshalltown to meet owner-operator Aimee Deimerly-Snyder and staff.
Hinson, 42, and Deimerly-Snyder chatted while Hinson ordered a number of the store’s confections while customers looked on.
During a brief interview with the Times-Republican, Hinson said she is the best candidate to represent the GOP and Iowa in the U.S. Senate because she has delivered results to her constituents.
Hinson pointed out her experience and results she has achieved in Congress.
“I am an effective legislator in Washington D.C. for taxpayers of my congressional district and I will do the same for the taxpayers of Iowa,” she said. “I have been traveling through the state learning Iowan’s priorities and they are exactly what I have been working with President Trump to execute on … keeping taxes low … keeping girls out of boys sports… keeping our country safe … deporting dangerous illegals from our country and standing for a strong military and protecting Social Security and Medicare. Those are all priorities of mine. That is what differentiates me from the pack of candidates be they Republican or Democrat. I am the one who has shown and proven results in Washington.”
The congresswoman is one of three Republican candidates who have announced their interest in securing the nomination for U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) seat. Ernst announced she would not be running in the June 2026 GOP primary. The winner of the GOP primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary. The two will face-off in the November 2026 general election.
Before the Marshalltown stop Hinson met with law enforcement officials in Tama County.
“I secured funding for the Meskwaki Tribe so they could have their own law enforcement center,” she said. “Again, meeting with all law enforcement – safety and security is a huge priority for Iowa voters and for me too. When I look at what we can deliver a targeted investment to make sure Tama County and Meskwaki Nation can have their own resources respectively … that is important.”
The congresswoman also cited accomplishments in securing funding for birthing centers – “so we can have more healthy babies and moms in Iowa,” she said. “When I point to my record of results that separates me from the entire pack. I am best suited to take this [role of U.S. Senator] on.”
When asked for a comment on President Trump’s commutation of former congressman George Santos seven-year sentence, Hinson said she had voted to expel Santos from congress.
“He had no business being in congress,” she said. “While it was the president’s choice I certainly hope his victims get the justice they deserve.”
Santos pled guilty to wire fraud and identity theft. He served three months of the seven-year sentence.
Hinson previously represented Marshall County in Congress, before redistricting moved Marshall County to the Iowa Fourth Congressional District.
She is a Des Moines native who graduated from Valley High School and attended the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Hinson is an award-winning broadcast journalist and worked as a health care reporter in Colorado and Cedar Rapids before entering politics first as a state legislator. She is married and the mother of two sons.
Deimerly-Snyder said it was a pleasure to meet Hinson and wished her good luck on the campaign trail.
“My shop is open to anyone who wants to stop by regardless of party,” she said. “I am happy to talk issues. It is good for business.”