How Josh Turek tries to connect with Iowans who haven’t voted for Democrats lately
U.S. Senate candidate pushes affordability
DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) — State Rep. Josh Turek (D - Council Bluffs) is trying to do something in his campaign in 2026 that no one from his party has successfully achieved since 2008: win a U.S. Senate seat.
Not since Tom Harkin won his final re-election campaign 18 years ago has an Iowa Democrat won a race for the U.S. Senate.
Turek is running against U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R - Iowa 2nd District, Marion) and Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn (L - Jefferson).
Josh Turek bio:
Age: 47
Home: Council Bluffs
Current job: state representative
Previous jobs: professional basketball player, assistive technology professional helping people acquire wheelchairs and mobility devices
Turek said his physical and financial challenges allow him to represent the needs of Iowans who feel left out.
Turek, who serves in the minority party in the Iowa Legislature, said that his political career shows that he will work with Republicans.
Bipartisanship will help families in agriculture, Turek said.
Turek talked about campaigning with his political hero, former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, and shooting basketball with President Barack Obama.
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