Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek defeated Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in Iowa's Senate race
Democratic state representative Josh Turek defeated Republican Representative Ashley Hinson in Iowa’s open Senate race, flipping the seat for Democrats, according to election projections. The pickup was crucial to Democrats’ bid for Senate control; NBC News reported the party needed a net gain of at least four seats. Donald Trump carried Iowa by 13 percentage points in 2024.
More context
Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek defeated Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in Iowa’s open Senate race, with major news outlets projecting the victory and a pickup for Democrats. The seat became open after Republican Sen. Joni Ernst said she would not seek reelection. The result gives Democrats a crucial gain as they pursue control of the Senate; NBC News reported they needed a net gain of at least four seats to take the majority and had not won a Senate seat in Iowa in nearly two decades. Turek, 47, is a former wheelchair basketball Paralympian who campaigned on working across party lines. NBC reported that he criticized Hinson’s votes supporting Trump’s trade policies and the war with Iran, which it said contributed to higher fuel and transport costs. Trump carried Iowa by 13 percentage points in 2024.
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Reporting
- CBS News — Josh Turek wins Iowa 2026 Senate election, CBS News projects, flipping seat for Democrats - CBS News
- The New York Times — Josh Turek Flips Iowa Senate Seat in a Major Victory for Democrats - The New York Times
- NBC News — Democrat Josh Turek flips Iowa Senate seat, boosting Democrats in fight for majority
- YouTube — "Iowa for All!" Democrat Josh Turek Flips Iowa Senate Seat in Stunning 2026 Victory!
- Reuters — Democrat Josh Turek flips Republican-held US Senate ...
Verifier’s note
CBS News, The New York Times, NBC News, and Reuters report Turek’s projected win and the Democratic seat flip; Financial Express’s video also describes his victory. The Facebook result concerns a Senate nomination, not the general-election outcome.