Josh Turek Flips Iowa Senate Seat as Republicans Face Midterm Setbacks
Democrat Josh Turek defeats Ashley Hinson, shifting Iowa's political landscape in the 2026 midterms.
1Turek Secures Senate Victory
Democrat Josh Turek won the Iowa U.S. Senate seat on November 3, 2026, defeating Republican Ashley Hinson and Libertarian Thomas Laehn. The seat was previously held by Republican Joni Ernst, who chose not to seek re-election. Turek, a former professional basketball player and Paralympic medalist, previously served in the Iowa House.
2Campaign Finance and Strategy
Turek’s campaign raised $24.3 million, significantly outpacing Hinson’s $14.1 million in fundraising. Hinson, a former KCRG-TV reporter and U.S. House member, campaigned on border security and pro-growth policies. Turek emphasized his reputation as a bipartisan legislator, successfully navigating a state that had trended toward Republicans in recent presidential and statewide election cycles.
3Shifting Iowa Political Tides
The election results represent a notable shift for Iowa, where Republicans held a trifecta of control at the Statehouse and an all-Republican delegation in Washington D.C. prior to the vote. Democrats also flipped three of the state’s four congressional districts during the midterms, challenging the long-standing Republican dominance observed in recent election cycles.
4Historical Context of Results
Before this victory, the last Democrat to win a statewide election in Iowa was Auditor Rob Sand in 2022. Republicans had maintained strong margins in previous years, including Donald Trump’s 2024 victory and Chuck Grassley’s 2022 re-election. Turek’s win marks a rare Democratic breakthrough in a state that political forecasters labeled as leaning Republican.
5Senate Balance of Power
This race was one of 33 U.S. Senate seats up for election in 2026, with two additional special elections occurring. At the time of the vote, Republicans held a 53-45 majority in the chamber. The outcome of the Iowa contest directly influenced the partisan balance of the U.S. Senate in the 120th Congress.
6Grassley Addresses Resignation Rumors
Amidst the midterm results, 93-year-old Republican Senator Chuck Grassley refuted rumors regarding his potential resignation during the lame-duck session. His chief of staff confirmed Grassley remains committed to his six-year term, which ends in 2028. This move prevents incoming Democratic Governor Rob Sand from appointing a successor to the senior senator's seat.
7Grassley’s Legislative Standing
Senator Grassley currently serves as the Senate Judiciary chair and is a member of the Senate Agriculture panel. He is also third in line for the presidency. Should he choose to run for a ninth term in 2028, he could become the second senator in history to reach the age of 100 while serving in office.
8Future Political Implications
The 2026 midterms have significantly altered Iowa's political trajectory, moving from a Republican stronghold to a more competitive landscape. With Turek entering the Senate and Democrats gaining ground in the House, the state's influence in Washington is evolving. Observers are now watching how these new representatives will impact federal policy and future election cycles.