Josh Turek Advocates for Bipartisan Efforts on Border and Public Policies

Josh Turek, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Iowa, has expressed support for some of President Donald Trump’s policies. During an interview with ABC News’ Jonathan Karl on This Week, Turek acknowledged Trump’s work on border security. He stated, ‘I agree with Trump. He’s done a better job on the border than Biden, for sure.’

Turek outlined areas of potential collaboration with Trump if elected. These include eliminating private equity from housing, healthcare, and nursing homes, as well as removing taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. His campaign materials emphasize cooperation on immigration, with a goal of securing the border and preventing drug trafficking in Iowa.

Describing himself as a ‘proud moderate’ and a ‘commonsense prairie populist,’ Turek highlighted his priorities. These include livable wages, affordable housing, accessible healthcare and pharmaceuticals, clean drinking water, reducing Iowa’s cancer rate, enhancing public schools, improving infrastructure, and tackling corruption.

Turek avoided making broad statements about the Democratic Party, preferring to focus on his own values and Iowa’s needs. His campaign against Republican Representative Ashley Hinson, endorsed by Trump, is attracting national attention as a key midterm race. In 2024, Trump won Iowa by 13 points against former Vice President Kamala Harris.

A Democratic victory could strengthen the party’s chances of gaining control of the Senate, as Iowa is seen as a viable opportunity for Democrats to reclaim a Republican-held seat. Despite criticizing the economic outcomes of the Trump administration, Turek acknowledges areas of agreement with Trump. He noted that concerns over groceries, corruption, and energy costs are valid, though under Trump’s tenure, wealth and power concentrated further.

Turek, recognized for bipartisan efforts in the Iowa Legislature, reassures voters of his commitment to priority-based voting. He bases decisions on district needs, personal conscience, and Iowa’s welfare. Attempts to reach his campaign for comments were made by Newsweek.

Hinson’s Views on Immigration: During a press call, Hinson, a Republican, emphasized illegal immigration as a primary voter concern. She mentioned self-deportation mechanisms and the CDP One app, urging citizens to explore Department of Homeland Security options. While addressing workforce needs in Iowa’s agriculture, she advocated for a legal immigration workforce visa, clarifying it’s not an amnesty issue.

Border security remains a bipartisan focal point, with Trump’s tenure marked by rigorous enforcement and wall expansion. Turek’s comments follow a surge in U.S.-Mexico border crossings during Biden’s presidency, noted as a factor in Trump’s 2024 election win. The Associated Press highlighted increased migrant numbers and Trump’s eventual suspension of asylum as pivotal moments.

In Texas, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico also supports stronger border security. While opposing parts of Trump’s immigration plan, Talarico calls for additional Border Patrol agents, advanced surveillance, increased immigration judges, and strategic border barriers.