Josh Turek wins Iowa Senate seat

Council Bluffs, Iowa. Democrat Josh Turek secured the U.S. Senate seat in Iowa on Tuesday, according to an Associated Press race call. His victory ends more than ten years of Republican control of both Senate seats in the state.

Turek, a state representative, defeated Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson. He will replace retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. Ernst announced in the fall of 2025 that she would not seek a third term.

The path to this election began when Ernst decided to step down. Turek, who had served as a state legislator, challenged Zach Wahls for the Democratic nomination in June. Wahls was the former state Senate minority leader. Turek won that primary, becoming the party's standard-bearer.

During the general election campaign, Turek ran as a "prairie populist." He focused heavily on healthcare reform. He attacked Hinson for supporting the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That legislation reduces national Medicaid spending by nearly $1 trillion. Turek also argued that Hinson's personal wealth grew while she served in Washington.

Both candidates campaigned on their ability to work across the aisle. They targeted the large number of uncommitted voters in the state. As polls showed a tight race, the tone of the campaign grew more critical.

External factors influenced the outcome. President Trump's approval ratings fell, making the race more competitive. Iowa's agricultural sector faced pressure from tariffs and higher diesel prices linked to the war in Iran. Some Republican candidates began distancing themselves from the president by the summer. The race was considered a toss-up for months.

Financial data shows the contest was one of the most expensive in the country. Federal records indicate the two candidates raised more than $30 million combined. Outside groups contributed over $100 million, according to Open Secrets. In the final quarter, Turek raised substantially more than Hinson. Hinson, a former TV journalist, had initially been seen as a front-runner. She received Trump's endorsement shortly after announcing her candidacy. Trump won the state by 13 points in the 2024 election.