Democrat Josh Turek is projected to win Iowa's Senate race, according to Decision Desk HQ, flipping a seat that had been held by Republicans and helping his party clinch the Senate majority.
Turek, a Paralympian and moderate state legislator, beat Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in a contest that tightened in the final weeks. With 78% of the vote counted at 11:20 p.m. EST, Turek led with just over 51% to Hinson's 45%.
The race drew heavy national spending from both parties as voters grew frustrated with President Trump and the ongoing war in Iran. Turek's victory follows Democratic wins in Texas and South Carolina, continuing a wave of successful Senate bids in red states.
Although Iowa has voted for Trump in three consecutive presidential elections, Turek's campaign focused on Hinson's personal wealth and her alignment with the president. Hinson, in turn, attacked Turek's legislative attendance record and attempted to paint him as a progressive.
Hinson, seen as a stronger candidate than some other GOP contenders, leaned on her support for Trump but also highlighted bipartisan work. Turek's win underscores GOP vulnerability in farm states hit hard by tariffs and high prices.
Turek, 47, was born with spina bifida after his father's exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He played professional wheelchair basketball in Europe and competed in four Paralympics for Team USA. In 2022, he won a state House seat by six votes in a district that had voted heavily for Trump.
In the legislature, Turek focused on healthcare and disability advocacy, serving on committees addressing the environment and veterans' affairs.
Decision Desk HQ had rated the race as leaning Republican before Election Day, making Turek's win all the more striking.
