Republican’s Seat Up For Grabs

A major battle for control of the U.S. Senate is beginning to take shape in Iowa, where Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek have secured their party nominations for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst.

The race is expected to draw national attention as Republicans work to maintain their Senate majority and Democrats search for opportunities to regain ground in a state that has steadily shifted toward the GOP in recent years.

Hinson Wins GOP Nomination

Hinson, who has represented Iowa’s northeastern congressional district since entering Congress in 2021, defeated former state Rep. Jim Carlin in the Republican primary.

Before launching her political career, Hinson spent years as a television news reporter and later served in the Iowa Legislature. Her background, combined with strong support from conservative voters, has helped make her one of Iowa’s most recognizable Republican leaders.

Perhaps most importantly, Hinson enters the general election with the backing of both retiring Sen. Joni Ernst and President Donald Trump, endorsements that carry significant weight among Republican voters across the Hawkeye State.

Democrats Choose Josh Turek

On the Democratic side, voters selected state Rep. Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who currently represents a district that was carried by President Trump.

Turek defeated state Sen. Zach Wahls in what many political observers viewed as a broader fight over the future direction of the Democratic Party. Several polls leading up to the primary showed Turek holding a comfortable advantage.

His campaign attracted support from VoteVets, former Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, helping him build momentum heading into Election Day.

Wahls, meanwhile, received backing from progressive activists, labor organizations, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. His campaign frequently challenged the Democratic establishment and criticized Senate leadership in Washington.

Why This Race Matters

The Iowa Senate contest could become one of the most closely watched races of the 2026 election cycle.

Republicans have enjoyed increasing success in Iowa over the past decade, transforming what was once considered a competitive swing state into one that consistently leans conservative in statewide elections.

The challenge facing Democrats is significant. Former Sen. Tom Harkin, who won reelection in 2008, remains the last Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Iowa.

That political reality gives Republicans reason for optimism as they prepare for the general election campaign.

Early Advantage for Republicans

Election analysts currently rate the open Senate seat as “Likely Republican,” reflecting the GOP’s recent strength in Iowa and the state’s increasingly conservative voting trends.

Still, both parties are expected to invest heavily in the race given the importance of Senate control and the possibility that a handful of competitive contests could determine the balance of power in Washington.

With President Trump remaining highly influential among Republican voters and national attention beginning to focus on key Senate battlegrounds, Iowa’s upcoming showdown between Ashley Hinson and Josh Turek is shaping up to be one of the most important races to watch in the months ahead.

As the campaign unfolds, voters will be deciding not only who replaces Sen. Ernst, but also which party gains momentum in the broader fight for America’s political future.