Democrats turn to Paralympian in bid to flip key GOP-held Senate seat Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek, a Paralympian, has won the party’s Senate nomination in Iowa, defeating state Sen. Zach Wahls. Turek will now face Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in a race for the seat held by retiring GOP Sen. Joni Ernst. This contest is considered a significant battleground in the midterm elections with potential implications for Republican control of the Senate.

• Josh Turek, a Paralympian and state representative, won the Democratic nomination for the Iowa Senate race.
• He defeated state Sen. Zach Wahls and will face Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in the general election.
• The seat is currently held by retiring GOP Sen. Joni Ernst and is a key target for Democrats in the midterm elections.
• Turek received endorsements from figures like Pete Buttigieg, Chuck Schumer, and Kirsten Gillibrand.
• Hinson, a current U.S. Representative, was backed by President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders.
• Iowa has shifted to the right in recent election cycles, with Republicans holding both Senate seats and all congressional districts.
• Democrats are energized for the midterms due to potential headwinds for the party in power, inflation, and gas prices.