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Josh Turek wins Iowa 2026 Senate election, CBS News projects, flipping seat for Democrats
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek defeated GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson in the Iowa Senate race, marking a significant pickup for Democrats aiming to control the Senate.
- Turek, a former Paralympian and state representative, ran on bipartisan cooperation and overcame expectations in a state that has trended Republican in recent years.
- Hinson, a former news anchor and Trump ally, faced challenges balancing support for the president with voter concerns over issues like the Iran war and inflation.
- The tight race in Iowa, a state Trump won by 13 points in 2024, contributed to Democrats flipping five Senate seats and securing a majority despite an initially favorable map for Republicans.
- Democrat Rob Sand also won the Iowa governor's race, signaling a broader Democratic resurgence in the state.
