Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek, a Democrat, in his bid for the U.S. Senate against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson. The endorsement was shared in a video featuring Obama and Turek playing a game of basketball.
"Now the ball's in your court Iowa. Let's make sure that we send Josh Turek to the United States Senate," Obama said in the video. He added, "I know a little somethin' about winning Iowa," referencing his victories in the state in both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections.
Turek, a four-time Paralympian and two-time gold medalist in wheelchair basketball, is set to face Hinson, who received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, in the general election.
Iowa's U.S. Senate race is an open seat following Senator Joni Ernst's announcement last year that she would not seek re-election in 2026. Hinson announced her candidacy for the Senate shortly after Ernst's decision.
In other commentary related to political endorsements, OutKick founder Clay Travis has been critical of Obama's track record with endorsements, including those for Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris. Travis suggested Obama's endorsement strategy could inadvertently benefit Republicans.