Josh Turek, the Democratic candidate challenging for an open U.S. Senate seat in Iowa, has collected more than $20,000 in taxpayer-funded per diem payments while missing nearly 60% of his legislative votes in 2026. Records indicate Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and state representative, missed 261 out of 444 votes between January and May.
These absences coincided with campaign fundraising events across the country. Turek's campaign stated that this pattern is not unique to him, pointing to his Republican opponent, Rep. Ashley Hinson, as also missing votes for fundraising. Hinson's campaign, however, countered by highlighting Turek's voting record and questioning his suitability for a promotion to the Senate.
Turek, who is running to fill the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has publicly emphasized his reliance on government programs that supported his athletic career and personal journey. He aims to contrast this with Hinson, whom his campaign accuses of voting against the interests of Iowans.
Turek's campaign has raised $3.4 million from July 2025 through May, which is considered on the lower end for a campaign seeking to flip a Senate seat. In comparison, other candidates in competitive Senate races have raised significantly more.
During periods of absence, Turek received the maximum daily $201 tax-free per diem offered by Iowa to its legislators. For instance, he missed a vote on a rural health and medical licensing bill while fundraising in Southern California, collecting $43,000 in donations during that week. Campaign expenses show he was present for fundraising events in Los Angeles during that time.
In another instance, Turek missed 16 votes while fundraising in Washington D.C. between February and March, including votes on an educational standards bill. His campaign reported paying for an event venue rental in the capital city.
Turek secured the Democratic nomination for the Senate race, defeating state Sen. Zach Wahls. He is set to face Hinson in the general election on November 3. Hinson, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020, has a lifetime voting record of 98.8% according to her campaign.