(Ashley Hinson speaks in Sioux Center -- Community First Broadcasting Staff Photo)Sioux Center, Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson says she is preparing for her annual BBQ Bash after a recent Sioux Center campaign stop where she discussed data-center development, flood recovery, and agriculture.
Hinson met with roughly 40 to 50 people during last week’s Sioux Center visit. She also stopped at Casey’s Bakery, taking home a strawberry-and-cream croissant, almond cookies, and stroopwafels — treats she said didn’t last long once she returned home.
BBQ Bash Moves to Clive
Hinson’s sixth annual BBQ Bash will be held Saturday, August 29th, in Clive. The event has traditionally taken place in Linn County within her congressional district, but she’s moving it to the Des Moines area as she campaigns statewide.
Country singer Lee Greenwood and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas are scheduled to attend, along with Governor Kim Reynolds, Republican gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn, and other guests.
Jethro’s BBQ will provide food, and Greenwood is expected to perform several songs. Doors open at noon. Tickets are available through Eventbrite at AshleyHinson.com, while children, active-duty military personnel and law-enforcement officers may attend for free.
Data-Center Safeguards
Hinson also addressed Sioux County’s one-year moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated areas. County officials say the pause will allow time to study the issue and consider regulations.
Hinson has supported keeping decisions at the local level but said communities should consider potential impacts on utility customers.
She identified water use and safety as additional concerns. Any federal involvement, she said, would likely focus on increasing energy supplies and transmission capacity so large developments don’t raise costs for other customers.
Hinson pointed to a Cedar Rapids data center she toured as a potential model. She said the facility uses a closed-loop water system and worked with Alliant Energy on an agreement intended to protect local utility rates for five years.
Flood Recovery and Agriculture
Northwest Iowa communities continue navigating the FEMA reimbursement process following the destructive 2024 flooding. Hinson said her office has previously helped communities work through FEMA after the 2020 derecho, including the city of Marion and the Meskwaki Nation.
Her role on the House Appropriation Committee allows her to raise delayed cases directly with federal officials.
She said technology improvements and placing the right personnel within FEMA could help reduce delays.
Hinson also discussed challenges facing Iowa’s cattle and pork producers, including cattle supplies, beef prices, and California’s Proposition 12 regulations.
She continues to advocate for the Save Our Bacon Act, which would push back against California regulations affecting pork sold in that state. She said she hopes the legislation can be included in a new farm bill.
She also promoted legislation requiring health-insurance companies to release more information about claim denials and prior-authorization delays.
Hinson used portions of the interview to contrast her positions with opponent Josh Turek on taxes, agriculture, and government spending. She currently represents Iowa’s Second Congressional District and is seeking election to the U.S. Senate.
