Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek of Iowa publicly acknowledged President Donald Trump’s record on border security, stating Trump had performed ‘better’ than the current administration while outlining areas for potential cooperation between the two parties.
In an interview with ABC News, Turek, the Democratic nominee in Iowa’s closely watched Senate race, said: ‘I agree with Trump. He's done a better job on the border than Biden, for sure.’ He also expressed alignment with Trump on policies such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, as well as addressing private equity in housing, healthcare, and nursing homes.
Turek, who describes himself as a ‘proud moderate’ and ‘commonsense prairie populist,’ emphasized his focus on Iowa-specific issues including livable wages, affordable housing, healthcare affordability, infrastructure, and clean water during the campaign. He declined to comment on whether the Democratic Party had shifted too far left, stating his priorities were centered on his state rather than national party dynamics.
The remarks come as Turek faces Republican incumbent Rep. Ashley Hinson in one of the most competitive Senate races in the country. Trump has endorsed Hinson, who has held the seat since 2021. Iowa has trended Republican in recent presidential elections, with Trump winning the state by 13 points in 2024 against then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Race Overview and Competitive Dynamics
With Election Day approaching, the open Senate seat in Iowa has become a focal point for both parties amid broader midterm dynamics. Democrats are targeting the race as a potential pickup opportunity, citing economic discontent in the agriculture-heavy state over rising costs for gas and fertilizer. Republicans currently hold the governorship, majorities in the state legislature, and all four congressional seats.
Turek’s campaign has positioned him as a centrist willing to work across party lines, stating in a recent ad: ‘In the U.S. Senate, I'll work with anyone to fix it, including President Trump, to secure the border, stop the flow of drugs into Iowa.’ His platform combines progressive priorities such as wage increases and healthcare access with conservative-aligned stances on border security and fiscal policy.
Republican Opponent’s Positioning and Shifts
Hinson, who is seeking her third term in Congress, has navigated a complex political landscape. While she has praised Trump at recent rallies, she has also publicly criticized aspects of his foreign policy. At a Trump rally in Sioux City, she commended the president for ‘preserving our country for generations to come,’ but later expressed reservations about a recent Trump administration deal with Russia to lower diesel fuel costs.
Hinson has also reversed her stance on Iran policy, now calling for an end to the war, and expressed disagreement with Trump’s decision to waive sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Ukraine, she stated: ‘I don't think we should be making any deals with Russia,’ and emphasized her support for ending conflicts abroad ‘as quickly as possible.’
When asked about Pentagon timelines for military operations post-midterms, Hinson deferred to the commander-in-chief, saying: ‘I trust the president and the U.S. military to get this done on the time frame that works.’
Campaign Trajectory and Midterm Context
The Iowa Senate race reflects broader national trends in the 2024 midterms, where economic concerns and voter dissatisfaction have created competitive opportunities for Democrats in traditionally red states. Polling has shown tight margins in the race, with both candidates emphasizing local issues over national partisan divides.
Turek’s ability to appeal to independent and moderate voters may determine whether Democrats can secure the seat, which has been held by Republicans since 2008. Meanwhile, Hinson’s campaign has focused on maintaining party control and highlighting her record on conservative priorities such as border security and fiscal responsibility.
Both candidates have framed their campaigns around bipartisanship and practical solutions, though their approaches differ in emphasis and tone. The outcome could influence control of the U.S. Senate, where Democrats currently hold a narrow majority.