Democrat Josh Turek has won Iowa's Senate race, defeating Republican Ashley Hinson and flipping a seat that was previously held by the GOP. The outcome is a notable blow to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party's efforts to maintain control of the Senate.
Turek's campaign garnered support from prominent Democrats, including a campaign advertisement from former President Barack Obama. Trump made an appearance in Iowa two days prior to the election in an effort to support Hinson, during which he commented on her recent weight loss.
The race was influenced by economic factors, including tariffs and rising fuel and fertilizer prices exacerbated by the conflict in Iran. Turek criticized Hinson for her voting record on tariffs and the Iran war, while also highlighting record diesel prices and increased input costs for farmers during harvest season.
More than $90 million was spent on advertising in the race through the end of September, making it one of the most expensive Senate contests nationwide. Advertising against Hinson also focused on her financial gains after joining Congress in 2021, with Democrats pointing to her reported stock holdings in her husband's former business.
Republicans countered by noting that Turek had missed a significant percentage of votes in the Iowa House in 2026. Turek's campaign stated he had a voting record of 81 percent since taking office in 2023.
Hinson announced her candidacy for the Senate on September 2, 2025, shortly after Senator Joni Ernst announced her retirement, and pledged to be a strong ally to Trump. However, in a political climate described as a "strong blue wave," Trump's endorsement proved insufficient to secure the victory for Hinson.
