After less than two years in the House, Ashley Hinson’s powerful allies in GOP leadership are already weighing how to elevate her — and by next year, she could be at their table.

The first-term Iowa Republican is hardly the first 30-something conservative woman to don the well-worn mantle of rising star in Washington. She may even take a similar path as another young House GOP leader: Two well-placed Republicans, speaking on condition of anonymity, see Hinson eyeing the conference chairmanship next year — but only if its current occupant, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), vacates the No. 3 spot for another perch.

While Stefanik made her name in the party boosting Republican women candidates, including Hinson, the Iowan brings a set of skills that line up nicely with the conference chair’s messaging portfolio. A former journalist, Hinson has a reputation for strong media performances and a plate-spinning energy that at times sends her literally running from meeting to meeting. True to form, she deflected questions about her future ambitions.

“My priority is my district, so that’s my focus,” Hinson said in an interview, before declining to get into a yes-or-no question about her interest in seeking the role. “I’m focused on being a really good appropriator … and I am making sure that I am standing up for Iowa’s priorities.”

Hinson first has to survive a strong Democratic challenger this fall in Iowa state Sen. Liz Mathis. But should she do so, and should the GOP reclaim enough seats to flip the House as expected, she has broad support to join leadership from none other than the Republican leader himself.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the uncontested frontrunner for speaker if the majority flips, said he could see Hinson on the GOP leadership team because “she’s a natural in that perspective.”

“When she walks into the room, people look to her for leadership,” the California Republican added in an interview last week, praising Hinson as policy-focused, talented on TV, intelligent and an all-around good person.

And asked about her as a future conference chair — with the caveat that it only applies if Stefanik pursues another senior post instead — McCarthy said: “Her talents go right there.”

Rep. Ashley Hinson, right, speaks as House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and Rep. Michael McCaul listen at the U.S. Capitol on June 15, 2021.