Former KCRG-TV9 anchor Hinson to seek Iowa House 67 seat

MARION - Former morning news anchor Ashley Hinson hopes to join the ranks of newsmakers as a member of the Iowa House.

Hinson, who recently resigned her role as anchor of KCRG-TV9's Morning News, will run as a Republican for the House 67 seat now held by Rep. Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha, who announced that he will not seek re-election in 2016.

People are familiar with her as 'the TV lady,” said Hinson, who was reporter and anchor on KCRG-TV9 since 2005. However, she's always considered what she did off-air - connecting with the community in a variety of roles - to be an important part of her job.

'I've learned the value of community,” Hinson said. 'Whether I was spotlighting entrepreneurs at 1 Million Cups or highlighting some of the Our Town communities, I have learned that people want to be heard.”

'Making sure that everyone's voice is heard is what inspired me to take the next step into public service,” Hinson said. 'Serving in the Legislature will allow me to continue that on a level to help people.”

Hinson is the second candidate to announce in House 67. Democrat Mark Seidl, a Cedar Rapids attorney, also is running to succeed Paulsen. He wants to create good jobs by working with entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as expand leadership in renewable energy.

The name identification she's earned as a news anchor will be helpful in the campaign, Hinson said, 'but I plan to campaign as if people don't know me.”

In addition to covering many of the issues the Legislature deals with, Hinson said she has the 'curiosity to learn more, to dig in and I'm not afraid to ask questions.”

Her priorities include creating a climate conducive to creating jobs and business opportunities, especially for the young families settling in House 67, which includes Robins, Hiawatha and part of Cedar Rapids and Marion, is a top priority.

Hinson's also interested in making sure education is adequately funded and that schools are operating efficiently. She's like to see better communication between school administrators and lawmakers 'so students are getting the best education.”

Hinson hopes to lead the charge in working with all lawmakers on tough issues.

'I have watched gridlock for years, and I'm going to work hard to make sure we don't stall out on the important issues,” she said.

A Des Moines native, Hinson, 32, started her TV career at WOI-TV in while in high school. She is a University of Southern California graduate and worked in Grand Junction, Colorado, before joining KCRG-TV9.

Also a classically-trained musician, Hinson has played her violin to accompany musical guests and played with the Des Moines Symphony for two years.

She is a volunteer for dozens of community organizations, including the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, March of Dimes, Young Parents Network, National Council on Youth Leadership, The History Center, and Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa.

She and her husband, Matt, have two sons and live in Marion.

For more information, contact her at hinsonforhouse@gmail.com.