Josh Turek wins Democratic primary in battleground Iowa Senate race

Key Points:

• Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek won the Democratic nomination for the open U.S. Senate seat, defeating state Sen. Zach Wahls, and will face Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in the general election in a state that has leaned Republican in recent years.
• Turek, a former Paralympic gold medalist with a personal story linked to veterans' issues, received significant support and $10 million in advertising from the outside group VoteVets, which highlighted his background and commitment to fighting healthcare cuts and corporate influence.
• Republican Ashley Hinson, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, won her primary against Jim Carlin and positioned herself as a fighter for Iowa values, criticizing Turek as a liberal aligned with national Democratic leadership.
• The race is considered competitive and strategically important, with the Republican-aligned Senate Leadership Fund planning to spend $29 million, reflecting the battle for control of the Senate in a state that has recently favored Republicans.
• Both parties and outside groups heavily invested in the primaries, with Democrats spending significantly on Turek’s campaign, while Republicans emphasized ties between Turek and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to rally conservative voters.