Iowa Dem Josh Turek Wins Primary, Faces Hinson for Senate
Iowa Democrats chose state Representative Josh Turek over progressive Zach Wahls to face Republican Ashley Hinson for a Senate seat in November's general election.
According to New York Post, Turek, a former Paralympic wheelchair basketball athlete, secured the backing of the Democratic establishment and will now challenge Hinson for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Joni Ernst.
Wahls, who gained national attention in 2011 advocating against a proposed state constitutional amendment defining marriage, had energized the party’s progressive wing with his focus on LGBTQ activism and rhetoric about combating what he termed a rigged economic system.
The state senator, who previously led his chamber’s minority caucus, had pledged to oppose Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer if elected to Washington. That stance highlighted the ideological divide that defined the race.
Establishment Candidate Prevails
The Iowa Senate primary became a proxy battle between the Democratic Party’s moderate and progressive factions, mirroring national tensions within the party.
Turek positioned himself as a party loyalist, stating he was running against Hinson and President Trump, not against Schumer. He emphasized a message of American opportunity he believes will resonate with Iowa voters.
Turek told KCRG that he represents the American Dream, highlighting his personal journey from economic hardship and health challenges to political achievement as uniquely possible in the United States.
Uphill Battle in the Hawkeye State
Iowa has shifted dramatically away from Democrats in recent cycles. The party has not won a statewide race in Iowa since Barack Obama carried the state in his 2012 presidential reelection campaign.
Democrats require a net gain of four Senate seats to capture majority control. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Kirsten Gillibrand has identified North Carolina, Maine, Ohio, and Alaska as the party’s top pickup opportunities.
Iowa falls into what party strategists consider a second tier of longer-shot prospects, alongside Texas, Florida, and Mississippi.
Hinson comfortably defeated former state Senator Jim Carlin in the Republican primary. President Trump has endorsed Hinson to succeed Ernst in the Senate seat.
With information from New York Post
