NEW: Iowa Federation of Labor and Six of Iowa’s Largest Labor Unions Unite to Endorse Josh Turek for U.S. Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2026

NEW: Iowa Federation of Labor and Six of Iowa’s Largest Labor Unions Unite to Endorse Josh Turek for U.S. Senate

Unions representing more than 100,000 Iowans unite to defeat Ashley Hinson and elect Josh, a champion for working people

Des Moines, IA – Today, Iowa Federation of Labor, Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers State Conference (IBEW), Iowa State Council of Machinists, United Auto Workers (UAW), and Communications Workers of America endorsed Josh Turek for the U.S. Senate.

The labor organizations are made up of more than 500 local unions representing more than 100,000 Iowa workers across multiple sectors of Iowa’s economy. Josh has a 100% lifetime voting record with the Iowa Federation of Labor and has always fought for the rights of workers. In the U.S. Senate, he will fight to strengthen our unions, protect collective bargaining rights, cut taxes for the middle class, and ensure every Iowan has access to affordable health care and housing.

“Iowa’s working class is in a battle for survival as our rigged economy continues to benefit only the wealthiest among us. It has never been more important to elect candidates that will fight for working people and strong unions. Josh Turek is the champion working Iowans need in the U.S. Senate. I know he will fight every day to unrig this economy and rebuild the working class,” said Charlie Wishman, President of Iowa Federation of Labor.

“Iowans deserve a senator who is going to put working people first, not the billionaires and big corporations. AFSCME members keep our communities running, and we know that Josh Turek will ensure we can keep doing some of Iowa’s most critical jobs. Josh is a proven leader who will defend workers’ rights, secure workers’ benefits, invest in public services, and ensure a secure retirement for all,” said Todd Copley, President of AFSCME Iowa.

“Josh has always been a fighter, and has consistently demonstrated the experience, patriotism, integrity, and commitment necessary to effectively represent Iowa’s working families in Washington, D.C. As a proven leader, Josh understands the challenges facing workers, retirees, and their families. He has shown a strong commitment to creating opportunities for working people, strengthening communities, and ensuring that every Iowan has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives,” said Rick Moyle, President of Iowa State Council of Machinists.

“On behalf of the Iowa State Education Association, representing more than 50,000 education professionals in Iowa, and the National Education Association Political Action Committee, we are proud to officially recommend Josh Turek for U.S. Senate. Josh is a proven champion of Iowa’s public schools, our students, and our education professionals. He is unequivocal in his support, knowing that robust public education is the bedrock of thriving communities across Iowa and the nation. Because public schools are the pulse of every community, Josh will be an unwavering advocate for the health, welfare, and future of our students, schools, and educators,” said Joshua Brown, President of the Iowa State Education Association.

“I am honored to have earned the support of these organizations representing more than 100,000 hardworking Iowans. As a common sense prairie populist, I have always put the working class first, and we need more people in Washington who will fight for everyday Iowans, not the billionaires and the large corporations. In the U.S. Senate, I will continue to fight for strong unions, higher wages, lower taxes for the middle class, and collective bargaining rights for all,” said Josh Turek.

Meanwhile, multi-millionaire Ashley Hinson has repeatedly voted against the interest of working people. She voted to cut health care for more than one hundred thousand Iowans, voted four times to support tariffs that are driving up the cost of everyday essentials, and voted against both the PRO Act and the Protect America’s Workforce Act. In her time in D.C., Hinson has increased her wealth by up to ten times thanks to up to $5 million in insurance stock.

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