Who is Josh Turek and what is Turek running on in the 2026 Iowa Senate race?
Josh Turek (D) is trailing in the 2026 Iowa Senate race, with about a 42% chance of winning, according to Kalshi on Oct 1.
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Josh Turek is the Democratic candidate for Iowa U.S. Senate. Iowa state representative since 2023 (won a Trump-carried seat); four-time Paralympian and medalist in wheelchair basketball; former professional player in Europe. Beat state Sen. Zach Wahls in the primary with 62.6%. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The race
- The seat: Open seat (Joni Ernst retiring).
- Rating: Lean R (Cook and Sabato, June 2, 2026).
- Polling: Turek 50, Hinson 46 (Fox News, June 23 to 27, 2026, 1,003 RV).
Why Turek is behind
- Iowa’s Republican lean: Trump won it by 13 points in 2024, and Democrats haven’t won a Senate race there since 2008.
- Hinson has Trump’s endorsement and a big money edge ($6.75M vs $3.91M raised by June 30).
- But the race is close: polls are near-even, and in the Fox poll Trump was 42/55 underwater in Iowa, with inflation the top issue.
- Farm frustration with tariffs is hurting Republicans with independents.
What Turek is running on
- Abortion. Would codify Roe v. Wade into federal law.
- Healthcare. Lets people keep private insurance but wants baseline coverage for everyone through a public option such as Medicare or VA-style care.
- Tariffs / farm economy. Wants to end the tariffs and break up food monopolies.
- Foreign policy. Wants to end the war in Iran.
- Wages and labor. Supports a higher minimum wage and expanded collective-bargaining rights.
- Bipartisanship. Runs as a common-sense, bipartisan legislator who won a Trump district.
In Turek’s own words
“If you’re happy with your private insurance, if you’re happy with your private doctor, you can continue with it. But everyone should have a baseline level of coverage, like Medicare or care through the VA.”
“I’ve been willing to work across the aisle, build relationships, and actually get policy across the finish line.”
The other candidates
Every race
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