Iowa State Representative Josh Turek secured the Democratic Senate nomination Tuesday night, positioning himself for what could be a pivotal November contest that might determine control of the U.S. Senate.
The candidate, who calls himself a “common-sense prairie populist,” claimed victory over state Senator Zach Wahls with 63.7% of the vote compared to Wahls’ 36.3%, based on 30.6% of ballots tallied by the Associated Press. National Democratic leaders and former Democratic Senator Tom Harkin had thrown their support behind Turek’s campaign.
Come November, Turek will face Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, who secured her party’s nomination for the available seat. Both candidates are vying to fill the position currently held by Republican Joni Ernst, whose retirement announcement has sparked Democratic optimism about flipping the seat and potentially gaining Senate control.
The 47-year-old Turek brings a unique background as a Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medalist and has demonstrated success winning elections in traditionally Republican territory. His supporters believe this track record could prove valuable in attracting disenchanted Republicans and independent voters during a period of growing economic concerns. His platform emphasizes healthcare accessibility, living wages, affordable housing, and other priorities affecting working families.
Hinson, 42, serves her third congressional term and previously worked as a news anchor. She has earned endorsements from President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Ernst herself. Her campaign focuses on supporting Trump’s 2025 tax-cut and spending legislation, while she previously voted against measures that eventually protected same-sex marriage rights.
Political experts consider Iowa’s open Senate position likely to stay in Republican hands. However, polling suggests a competitive race ahead, with data from RealClearPolitics.com showing Turek holding a narrow one-point advantage over his Republican challenger.
