Iowa Senate Race Heats Up: Josh Turek Secures Democratic Nomination

On Tuesday, Democratic state Representative Josh Turek of Iowa clinched his party’s Senate nomination in a highly anticipated race to succeed retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst. Turek’s victory over state Senator Zach Wahls in the Iowa Democratic primary has set the stage for a significant matchup against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who secured the GOP nomination without much contest.

A Competitive Battleground

The Senate seat in Iowa, currently held by Republicans, is among the top targets for Democrats aiming to flip control of the chamber in the upcoming midterm elections. This race is one of approximately a dozen critical contests that could determine whether Republicans maintain their slim majority in the Senate.

Endorsements and Support for Turek

Turek, a moderate Democrat and two-time Paralympic gold medalist, has quickly made a name for himself since flipping a GOP-held Iowa House seat in 2022. He received endorsements from key figures such as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, as well as tacit support from prominent Democratic leaders like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand. Additionally, VoteVets, a well-known establishment-aligned group, has invested significantly in Turek’s campaign.

Turek’s Political Message

In a joint statement, Schumer and Gillibrand praised Turek’s track record, stating, “Josh Turek is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who has represented his country on the world stage and has built a reputation in the legislature for working across the aisle to get things done for Iowans.” They emphasized that his nomination places the Iowa Senate seat “firmly in play” and expressed confidence that Iowans will reject Hinson’s “self-serving politics.”

Republican Response

In contrast, Samantha Cantrell, Regional Press Secretary for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, criticized Turek, claiming that Schumer’s financial support amounts to a bid to make Turek a “rubber stamp for Democrats’ radical tax-and-spend agenda.” She reaffirmed confidence that Iowans will reject Turek and choose Hinson to represent their interests.

The Democratic Primary Battle

Wahls, emphasizing a progressive agenda, received backing from notable figures, including Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. His campaign drew significant attention and financial contributions from outside supporters, showcasing the national stakes of the Iowa Senate race.

Ashley Hinson and the GOP Nomination

On the Republican side, Ashley Hinson, a former TV news anchor currently in her third term representing Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, triumphed in the GOP Senate primary against former state senator and U.S. Senate candidate Jim Carlin. Hinson’s campaign was bolstered by prominent GOP figures, including former President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Her previous victory in flipping a Democratic seat in 2020 has positioned her as a rising star within the Republican Party.

The Changing Political Landscape in Iowa

Iowa has historically been a key battleground state, notably supporting former President Barack Obama in his 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns. However, recent elections have witnessed a conservative shift. Trump won Iowa by nine points in 2016, eight points in 2020, and by 13 points in 2024.

Current Political Dynamics

The Republican Party currently occupies both Senate seats in Iowa, along with all four congressional districts and most statewide offices. Nonetheless, Democrats are gaining momentum heading into the midterms, fueled by the long-standing challenges faced by the GOP, including issues like inflation, rising gas prices, and public sentiment surrounding the ongoing conflict with Iran. Additionally, Trump’s dwindling approval ratings may further complicate things for Republicans.

Flip in State Legislative Seats

Moreover, Iowa Democrats have recent successes to build upon, having flipped two Republican-held state Senate seats in special elections earlier this year. These victories may energize the Democratic base and bolster Turek’s campaign.

Looking Ahead to the General Election

The winner of the general election will take over the Senate seat vacated by Ernst, a retired Army Reserve officer who has earned recognition for her “make ’em squeal” campaign ads during her election to the Senate in 2014. As the race intensifies, all eyes will be on Iowa, where the stakes are as high as ever.

Fox News’ Sally Persons contributed to this report.