Josh Turek Off to a Hot Start, Raising $500,000 Since Launching U.S. Senate Campaign

Quad City Times: “[Turek’s] ability to win as a Democrat in one of the reddest parts of Iowa [is] one of his biggest strengths going into his U.S. Senate campaign”

Council Bluffs, IA – Today, State Rep. and two-time Paralympic gold medalist Josh Turek announced raising $500,000 since launching his campaign for U.S. Senate. The campaign is being fueled by grassroots energy and small-dollar donations, with contributions from all 99 counties in Iowa. Contributions came from more than 100 Iowa educators and more than 100 Iowa medical professionals, and 98% of individual donations in the first week were $100 or less.

In addition to his fundraising haul, Turek’s campaign has tremendous momentum out of the gate – his launch video has received millions of views, and he’s done more than 25 press interviews, the majority of them with local Iowa reporters. He stopped by the Iowa State Fair where he flipped chops and met with Iowans, and then spoke at the Iowa Wing Ding Democratic Dinner. He received the endorsement of State Rep. J.D. Scholten, and had a successful “standing room only” launch event in his hometown of Council Bluffs Monday evening.

“Iowans across the state are inspired by Josh’s lifetime of overcoming adversity and his commitment to fighting for the kitchen table issues they care about most,” said campaign manager Brendan Koch. “The enthusiasm behind Josh’s campaign is a testament to his ability to win tough races and beat Joni Ernst in 2026.”

Turek’s announcement has generated excitement across Iowa. Monday, State Rep. JD Scholten suspended his campaign to endorse Turek, saying, “there’s no better Democrat in Iowa to talk about healthcare issues.” Coverage across the state has emphasized Turek’s “ability to win” in “one of the reddest parts of Iowa,” his unique story, and the “kitchen table issues” his campaign is focused on.

Watch the launch video here.