The congresswoman denies her husband is a 'shadow lobbyist' as Democrat rival attacks her $50,000 taxpayer grab

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026.

Iowa Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson was confronted during a debate Wednesday night over claims her husband Matt Arenholz operates as a 'shadow lobbyist' for the insurance industry while she serves in Congress. Democrat opponent Josh Turek, 47, also accused the Trump-backed congresswoman of pocketing $50,000 in taxpayer-funded housing reimbursements despite being a self-declared multi-millionaire. Hinson, 43, shot back: 'My husband is not a lobbyist — he works in our basement,' adding that the housing payments are a standard programme available to all members of Congress.

Turek told the debate: 'This is the corruption that we have to address,' as he called for Hinson to return the money.

Hinson fired back that Turek himself took a full per diem from the Iowa legislature despite missing sessions, challenging him to return his payments first.

The Washington Sun had previously reported that Arenholz held a position at a top insurance industry lobbying group while Hinson has been in Washington.