DES MOINES — Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and Iowa state legislator, is emerging as a distinctive Democratic contender in the race for a U.S. Senate seat in Iowa. At 47, Turek faces Republican Ashley Hinson, a three-term congresswoman, in a highly watched contest that could influence control of the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections.
Turek’s candidacy stands out in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator in nearly two decades and where former President Donald Trump won by more than 13 points in 2024. Polls and political analysts suggest Turek has a competitive path despite Iowa's Republican lean. His campaign has gained momentum with a notable endorsement from former President Barack Obama, who praised him as “somebody who knows how to win.”
Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with spina bifida linked to his father’s exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, Turek has faced significant physical challenges throughout his life. After more than 20 surgeries and years of rehabilitation, he became a wheelchair basketball star, earning accolades as a three-time National Wheelchair Basketball Association All-American and winning Paralympic gold medals with Team USA in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021. His perseverance on the court mirrors the resilience that supporters highlight as central to his political appeal.
Turek’s entry into politics has been marked by a bipartisan approach. Initially a registered Republican, he describes himself as a “common-sense prairie populist” and acknowledges voting alongside Republicans on certain issues. During his two terms in the Iowa House of Representatives, he won re-election by a comfortable margin and was noted for crossing party lines on a variety of legislative matters, including votes on criminal justice and immigration policies. Democrats have celebrated his hands-on campaigning style, which often involves traversing difficult terrain in his wheelchair to connect with constituents.
His Republican opponent, Ashley Hinson, has criticized Turek for missing legislative votes and portrays him as more liberal than he presents himself. However, campaigns insiders agree that attacking Turek has proven difficult, given his personal story and bipartisan record. Former Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and U.S. Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona have both praised Turek’s determination and toughness.
Throughout the 2026 campaign, Turek has toured all 99 counties in Iowa, engaging voters with a blend of humor and earnestness. From state fairs to rallies, his message focuses on the rising cost of living and critiques Hinson’s support of policies tied to Trump, including tariffs and controversial health care legislation. Despite trailing in fundraising and some polls, recent assessments from political forecasters have shifted the race’s rating from leaning Republican to a tossup.
Turek’s trajectory—from a childhood overcoming severe disability to a Paralympic champion and now a Senate candidate—symbolizes a narrative of endurance and pragmatism in a polarized political environment. As the race heats up, his ability to appeal across party lines and connect with voters in a traditionally conservative state will be critical to his chances. With endorsements from prominent Democrats and a unique personal story, Josh Turek is positioning himself as a key figure in Democrats’ efforts to regain Senate control.