Josh Turek 

Share

Latest news on Josh Turek, the Iowa Democrat elected to the US Senate, covering the Iowa Senate race, his win over Ashley Hinson, Joni Ernst's seat, Medicaid, veterans, tariffs, debates, his Paralympic career and campaign news.

Josh Turek is a Democratic member of the Iowa House from Council Bluffs and a former wheelchair basketball player. On 3 November 2026 he won the Senate seat held by the retiring Republican Joni Ernst, defeating Congresswoman Ashley Hinson in a closely watched contest.

The race drew heavy national attention and large sums of outside spending. Polls showed a tight contest for months, and the two candidates clashed in debates over Medicaid cuts, tariffs, veterans' records, gas prices and foreign policy. The result flipped a Republican-held seat for Democrats.

Turek was born with spina bifida and has used a wheelchair since childhood. He starred at college level, competed in several Paralympic Games and won gold medals in wheelchair basketball with Team USA. He has said that experience shaped his focus on healthcare and opportunity.

Iowa has swung between the parties over the decades but had not sent a Democrat to the Senate for years. Turek's win came in a midterm election in which Democrats took control of the Senate. The seat opened when Ernst chose not to seek another term.

Whether you follow Iowa politics, the Democratic Party or the US Senate, staying informed about Josh Turek matters. The NewsNow Josh Turek feed gathers the latest headlines on his Senate work, votes, speeches, interviews and policy priorities from reliable sources, in one place.