Democrat Josh Turek flips Iowa Senate seat

Democrat Josh Turek has been elected to the US Senate, defeating Republican Representative Ashley Hinson. Turek’s victory over Hinson flips a Republican-held seat and boosts Democrats’ efforts to retake control of the Senate. A state representative since 2023, Turek competed in four Paralympics and played professional wheelchair basketball in Europe.

Hinson was endorsed by Trump, who carried Iowa ⁠in three straight presidential elections. Turek’s victory underscored Democratic gains in a state that had initially been expected to remain safely Republican. It’s been more than a decade since a Democrat represented Iowa in the Senate.

The seat is held by retiring two-term Senator Joni Ernst.