Iowa voters have chosen their nominees for the U.S. Senate race, setting up a November showdown between Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek and Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson. Turek secured the Democratic nomination after defeating state Sen. Zach Wahls in a closely watched primary, while Hinson easily won the Republican nomination, backed by President Donald Trump. The race will determine the successor to retiring Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) in a state Trump won by 13 points in 2024.
Turek, a former Paralympian and moderate Democrat, emphasized his ability to win in a Trump-leaning district and his record of bipartisan cooperation. He received endorsements from establishment figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Sen. Tom Harkin, as well as progressive lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna. Wahls, the more progressive candidate, had support from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and labor unions but lost despite his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and economic policies.
Hinson, a House member since 2021, is seen as a rising Republican star. She defeated former state Sen. Jim Carlin in the GOP primary and has the backing of Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. The race is one of the key battlegrounds in the midterm elections, with Democrats aiming to flip the seat amid economic concerns and Trump's declining approval ratings in Iowa.
The Democratic primary highlighted internal party divisions, with Turek representing a moderate approach and Wahls advocating for progressive policies. Democrats are optimistic about their chances, citing Trump's unpopularity and economic struggles in Iowa, particularly among farmers affected by tariffs and the Iran war. However, Republicans maintain a significant voter registration advantage in the state.