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Ashley Hinson is the Republican candidate for U.S. House seat in Iowa's 1st District. She is campaigning against (D) Rep. Abby Finkenauer. Each Iowa candidate on November's ballot was given the same list of questions to answer. To view all of the candidates, click here. Here are Hinson's responses: What is your top priority if elected into office?My top priority is to get our economy back on track. The economic pain caused by both COVID-19 and the derecho storm has hurt our families and small businesses immensely. We must do everything we can to ensure that our small businesses are able to remain open and profitable and make sure people can get back to work in a safe and responsible way. What previous experience has prepared you for this position?For over 10 years, I was a news anchor for KCRG-TV9, and told the stories of Iowans. It made me want to work towards solutions to the problems our communities face. I got tired of talking about it and wanted to do something about it. I am currently a state representative, and in Des Moines, I have listened to my constituents and fought to protect our children, lower taxes, and balance the budget. What has been your favorite quarantine activity?My favorite quarantine activity has been cooking with my boys, Max and Jax. My youngest, Jax, loves to be my kitchen assistant, so we have baked, made new recipes and have been able to eat together as a family more than ever.What part of your response to the COVID-19 pandemic are you most proud of?As a state representative, I worked hard to make sure I was providing my constituents with accurate resources and information through my social media sites and newsletters. I was able to effectively advocate for a constituent who was having trouble getting their unemployment approved because of a mistake their employer made while filing it. I helped get the situation resolved so they could get the resources needed to feed their family.What response to the COVID-19 pandemic would you change?We have certainly learned a lot from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the importance of having accurate data available to the public as soon as possible. I would make sure that websites are reporting data as quickly as possible, and make sure that the public receives information that is easy to comprehend and understand. What is your favorite Iowa tradition?One of our all-time favorite family traditions is the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game. My husband went to Iowa State so our boys love the rivalry and look forward to the game every year. Here’s to hoping next year the Cy-Hawk game happens! How do you define social inequity and how do you plan on addressing it in Iowa communities?One of our country’s founding principles is that everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed and ability to achieve the American dream. I will work towards solutions to make sure our kids have access to a great education no matter their socio-economic status or ZIP code, individuals are free to run a business without unnecessary government interference, and that we work toward an economy that works for everyone. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Iowa farmers and how to you plan to support them if elected?Our farmers experienced significant crop damage from the derecho storm in August. Iowa farmers have been hit with a 1-2 punch this year when you add in the coronavirus pandemic. We must provide farmers the necessary tools and resources they need in order to bounce back from the hardships of 2020 by keeping our promises to them. In Congress, I will always go to bat for our farmers, and be the accessible leader they need to advocate on their behalf. We need consistent policies that support farmers that they can count on so that they can maximize their farms. To learn more about Hinson, check out her website.