Hinson and Turek win Iowa Senate primaries for Ernst’s seat
9 verified5 unconfirmed
Republican Representative Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Representative Josh Turek won their party’s U.S. Senate primaries in Iowa on Tuesday, setting up a November contest to succeed retiring GOP Senator Joni Ernst. Hinson, a former television news anchor in her third term representing Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, defeated former state Senator Jim Carlin in the Republican primary. Turek, a Paralympian and moderate Democrat, defeated progressive state Senator Zach Wahls in the Democratic primary. The race is considered a top target for Democrats as they seek to flip a GOP-held seat in a state that has shifted to the right in recent elections. President Donald Trump carried Iowa by 13 points in the 2024 election, and the state has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008. Both parties have reserved significant advertising funds for the general election contest.
What’s verified
Ashley Hinson won the Republican Senate primary, defeating Jim Carlin.
Josh Turek won the Democratic Senate primary, defeating Zach Wahls.
Hinson is endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Turek is a Paralympian and a moderate Democrat.
Wahls is a progressive candidate endorsed by Senator Elizabeth Warren.
The race is to replace retiring GOP Senator Joni Ernst.
Trump won Iowa by 13 points in the 2024 presidential election.
Republicans currently hold both of Iowa’s Senate seats and all four of its House districts.
Democrats have been energized after flipping two GOP-held state Senate seats in special elections.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that Turek received nearly $10 million in spending from VoteVets and that Wahls criticized Turek for being supported by national Democratic groups.
One source reported that the Senate Leadership Fund reserved $29 million in advertising and the Democratic Senate Majority PAC reserved $13.4 million.
One source reported that the Cook Political Report rates the race as “likely Republican.”
One source reported that Turek is 47 years old and that Wahls gained recognition at age 19 for testifying about same-sex marriage.
One source reported that Hinson’s primary victory statement included pledges to make life more affordable and ban stock trading for members of Congress.
Key figures
Ashley Hinson – Republican U.S. Senate nominee, current U.S. Representative
Josh Turek – Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, state Representative
Joni Ernst – retiring U.S. Senator from Iowa
Jim Carlin – former state Senator, GOP primary candidate
Zach Wahls – state Senator, Democratic primary candidate
Donald Trump – former President, endorsed Hinson
Elizabeth Warren – U.S. Senator, endorsed Wahls
Pete Buttigieg – former Transportation Secretary, endorsed Turek
Sources: CBS News, foxnews.com
