60 DAYS OUT: More Than 60 “Republicans for Turek” Endorse Josh Turek for U.S. Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 4, 2026

60 DAYS OUT: More Than 60 “Republicans for Turek” Endorse Josh Turek for U.S. Senate

Iowans across the political spectrum are backing Josh because they know he will be a U.S. Senator for all Iowans

Des Moines, IA – Today, Josh Turek released an initial list of “Republicans for Turek,” a group of more than 60 current and former registered Republicans from across the state – including members of Josh’s own family – who are longtime Republicans and committed to mobilizing their communities to send Josh to the U.S. Senate.

A four-time Paralympian and two-time gold medalist, Josh has committed his life to putting country over party. In the State House, he represents the reddest seat won by a Democrat in 2024 and has developed a track record of reaching across the aisle to get things done for all Iowans. One of Iowa’s most effective and bipartisan members, Josh has voted with Republicans more than 700 times to cut taxes, lower costs, and keep Iowans safe. Meanwhile, his opponent Ashley Hinson is the least bipartisan member of the Iowa Congressional delegation and repeatedly voted against bipartisan legislation to lower costs for Iowans.

“Republicans for Turek” is co-chaired by former Ashley Hinson voter and constituent Scott Kaas from Allamakee County and former Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh from Pottawattamie County.

“I’ve been a lifelong Republican and have voted Republican all my life. I met Josh Turek in early 2024 while working on pediatric cancer research with the Iowa legislature. Josh has supported pediatric cancer research in the state of Iowa for my daughter Devin and kids across Iowa. I saw firsthand how Josh is willing to work across the aisle to get things done, and I believe Josh will do the same when he’s a U.S. Senator,” said Republicans for Turek Co-Chair Scott Kaas.

“As the sitting Republican mayor in 2022, I saw something special in Josh that you rarely see in other candidates — sincerity, honesty, and someone who has common sense — when I chose to endorse him in his first election to the Iowa State House. I would take that chance again. Josh has always kept his word and remained faithful to his community. I first endorsed Josh to the Iowa legislature because I saw a candidate who would always fight for his constituents — no matter what party they belong to. I know he’ll do the same in the Senate because that’s the kind of guy he is,” said Co-Chair Matt Walsh, former Mayor of Council Bluffs.

“Republicans for Turek” is comprised of more than 60 current and former Iowa Republicans from across the state:

Grant Allison, Scott County
Mike Amos, Pottawattamie County
Wendy Andersen, Pottawattamie County
Joshua Baxter, Warren County
Ed Bittle, Polk County
Steven Boeke, Black Hawk County
Thomas Carver, Warren County
Dick Christie, Pottawattamie County
April De Wit, Lyon County
Melissa Douthart, Mahaska County
Teresa Euken, Montgomery County
Kristine Gash, Harrison County
Steven George, Polk County
Daniel Good, Buchanan County
Tim Grover, Jackson County
Bruce Hanson, Kossuth County
Ethan Hartle, Polk County
Melissa Head, Pottawattamie County
Dan Iverson, Pottawattamie County
Matt Johnson, Pottawattamie County
Rachelle Johnson, Pottawattamie County
Todd Jones, Dallas County
Scott Kaas, Allamakee County
Jay Kathol, Pottawattamie County
Larry Keller, Clarke County
Laura Keltner, Warren County
Marilyn Kennedy, Pottawattamie County
Robert Kennedy, Pottawattamie County
Clifford Killpack, Pottawattamie County
Patrick Kreymborg, Story County
Cynthia Lainson, Pottawattamie County
Denise Malvesti, Cherokee County
Sally McAleer, Linn County
Mark McCluskey, Scott County
Dean Mertes, Polk County
Alice Miller, Pottawattamie County
Melissa Murphy, Pottawattamie County
Melissa Niday, Wayne County
Donald Nish, Polk County
Tricia Odell, Linn County
Vivian Ogden, Montgomery County
Jennifer Pfeifer-Malaney, Polk County
Chris Pliner, Webster County
Kate Pliner, Webster County
Mimi Rice, Black Hawk County
Vickie Rollins, Pottawattamie County
Jeremy Ryan, Buchanan County
Deanna Ryan-Naber, Buchanan County
Paul Speck, Mills County
Byron Tabor, Linn County
James Temme, Dallas County
Richard Thimmesch, Polk County
Julius Tiarks, Pottawattamie County
Joyce Tiarks, Pottawattamie County
John Turek, Pottawattamie County
Luellen Turek, Pottawattamie County
David Walker, Buena Vista County
Matt Walsh, Pottawattamie County
Daniel Woods, Bremer County
Joni Wright, Polk County
Kathleen Zeka, Pocahontas County

*Individuals on this list are endorsing in their personal capacity.

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