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Democrat Josh Turek wins the Senate seat in Iowa
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- Democrat Josh Turek has won the U.S. Senate race in Iowa, ending over a decade of Republican control of both Senate seats in the state.
- Turek, a state representative and two-time Paralympic gold medalist who uses a wheelchair due to spina bifida, defeated Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, replacing retiring Sen. Joni Ernst.
- Campaign issues focused heavily on healthcare reform, with Turek criticizing Hinson's support for a bill reducing Medicaid spending and highlighting her personal wealth increase during her time in office.
- The race became highly competitive amid declining approval ratings for President Trump and economic challenges in Iowa's agricultural sector, leading to a toss-up contest by summer.
- This was one of the most expensive Senate races nationally, with candidates raising over $30 million and outside groups contributing more than $100 million.
