Democrat Josh Turek Wins Iowa Senate Race, Defeating Republican Ashley Hinson
By NGN News English | November 4, 2026
WASHINGTON — Democratic candidate Josh Turek has won Iowa’s closely watched US Senate election, defeating Republican Ashley Hinson and flipping a seat previously held by the Republican Party.
The Associated Press (AP) called the race in Turek’s favor at 9:35 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 4, according to the election information provided. The victory marks a significant development in Iowa politics, where Democrats have faced difficulties winning statewide federal elections in recent years.
With approximately 96% of the votes counted at the time of the reported results, Turek received 668,957 votes, representing 50.6% of the total. Hinson received 612,522 votes, or 46.3%.
Turek defeated Hinson in the contest for the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Senator Joni Ernst, who decided not to seek re-election after serving two terms.
Turek is a Democratic state representative and former Paralympic wheelchair basketball player. Born with spina bifida, he competed for the United States at multiple Paralympic Games and won two gold medals. He entered the Senate race with a campaign focused on affordability, economic concerns, support for farmers and healthcare.
During the campaign, Turek also presented himself as a candidate willing to work across party lines. Former President Barack Obama endorsed him following his victory in the Democratic primary.
Hinson, a Republican member of the US House of Representatives, had received support from President Donald Trump and national Republican leaders. She campaigned on her record in Congress and her ability to work with both parties.
Iowa had been considered a Republican-leaning state in recent election cycles. The last Democrat to win a statewide federal election there was Barack Obama in 2012. Turek’s victory therefore represents an important change in the state’s political landscape.
The result also has national significance because the Iowa contest was among the Senate races that could determine control of the chamber. Democrats targeted the seat as part of their broader effort to gain a Senate majority in the 2026 midterm elections.
Turek’s win gives Democrats a Republican-held Senate seat and marks a major electoral setback for Republicans in Iowa.
NGN News English
