By Salma El-Sakka
Democrat Josh Turek has won Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat, defeating Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in a race NBC News projects as a critical flip for Democrats in their battle for a Senate majority. The victory marks the first time Democrats have won a Senate seat in Iowa in nearly two decades.
Turek ties Hinson to Trump and trade policies
Turek, a state representative, effectively linked Hinson to President Donald Trump and a Republican agenda that proved unpopular with Iowa voters. He hammered Hinson for her repeated votes supporting Trump's trade war, which hurt Iowa producers and consumers, and for backing the war with Iran that contributed to rising fuel and transportation costs.
Hinson struggles to distance from Trump
Hinson, a three-term House member, leaned on her legislative record and Iowa's Republican lean but could not overcome Trump's sagging approval ratings and voter frustration over the cost of living. She attempted to court Trump's base while distancing herself, but Turek labeled her a flip-flopper after she called for ending the Iran war in September.
Record spending in closely watched race
The contest attracted about $200 million in combined spending from candidates and outside groups, surpassing the state's annual agriculture and natural resources budget. Polls showed a tight race within the margin of error for months.
Turek's background and primary victory
Born with spina bifida, Turek won Paralympic gold medals in wheelchair basketball in 2016 and 2020 before winning election to the Iowa House in 2022 as the first permanently disabled legislator. He won a divisive primary against state Sen. Zach Wahls with 63% of the vote.
