Democrat Josh Turek Claims Victory in Iowa Senate Race

The Fox News Decision Desk has announced that Democrat Josh Turek will secure Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat, seizing a Republican-held position. This shift occurs as the GOP seeks to maintain Senate control. Turek triumphed over Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, succeeding retiring Sen. Joni Ernst.

Commenting on the win, Turek stated, “Iowa, after 448 days of hard work, pushing up hills, knocking doors, visiting all 99 counties, visiting small and midsized communities all across Iowa, and preaching a message of a better future for Iowa – together, we have made history,” on X.

This victory marks the first time since 2008, when former Sen. Tom Harkin was elected, that Democrats have captured the seat. President Donald Trump carried Iowa by over 13 points in 2024, making Turek’s win a notable Democratic gain.

“Senate Majority Leader John Thune had declared Hinson’s race crucial,” suggesting continuing GOP dominance hinged on her success.

Hinson acknowledged her defeat, commending Turek’s campaign, “Josh and I, to put it mildly, disagree on a lot. But tonight I hope that we can agree on this, that the campaign is behind us, and the work of serving the people of Iowa remains ahead.” She emphasized moving past political rivalry to tackle issues facing Iowans.

Hinson commented that veterans, students, and numerous Americans require political assistance. “That’s who this campaign was really for. And while tonight’s outcome was not the one that we wanted, I am so deeply proud of our campaign’s fight, and I am just eternally grateful to everyone who helped make that happen to all of you,” she stated.

Turek built his campaign on affordability, health care, and wages. He pledged efforts to reduce prescription drug costs, increase affordable housing, raise the minimum wage, and enforce a federal ban on food price gouging.

Health care, a personal matter for Turek, influenced his campaign. Born with spina bifida and a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, Turek argued, “health care is a human right.” He advocated restoring Medicaid funding, defending Affordable Care Act subsidies, and supporting rural hospitals.

Turek aimed to be a bipartisan lawmaker, collaborating across party lines, with a focus on immigration. He described himself as a “prairie populist,” highlighting financial pressures from housing, groceries, and fuel, exacerbated by Washington politics and businesses. He linked Iowa’s economic strains to Trump’s tariffs and the conflict in Iran.

Trump-backed Hinson campaigned on tax relief, border security, parental engagement in schools, and endorsement of agriculture and biofuels. At a Sioux City rally, Trump advocated for Hinson, labeling her “a mother, a warrior, a patriot,” vowing “with Ashley in the Senate, we will make it year-round E15. We’ll make it permanent.” Additionally, Trump critiqued Turek as “not a moderate.”

Ashley J. DiMella provides political coverage for Fox News Digital.