NEW: Josh Turek for Iowa Releases New Ad, “Went Through Hell”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 8, 2026

NEW: Josh Turek for Iowa Releases New Ad, “Went Through Hell”

The spot features Josh’s father, John Turek, speaking directly to Iowans about how his son’s experience with the healthcare system motivates him to fix it for Iowans

Des Moines, IA – Today, Josh Turek for Iowa released its newest ad, “Went Through Hell.” The new spot features Josh’s father, John Turek, speaking directly to Iowans about how his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam led to his son Josh being born with spina bifida, and how Josh knows better than most how a broken Washington has made it harder for Iowans to get the healthcare they need.

“I went through the war, but Josh went through Hell,” says John in the ad. “He knows better than most what Iowans are going through now. Washington taking away healthcare coverage, People forced to travel hours to see a doctor. Josh is a fighter and he will take this personal.”

Josh had his first surgery at one day old and underwent 21 surgeries before the age of 12, so ensuring that every Iowan has access to affordable healthcare is personal to him. That’s why he’s laser-focused on putting guardrails on insurance companies, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, addressing Iowa’s cancer crisis, and fighting for a public option so that every Iowan – and every American – has access to healthcare. Meanwhile, Ashley Hinson has voted to hike healthcare premiums for more than 119,000 Iowans, kick 110,000 Iowans off their health insurance, and endanger our rural hospitals — all while taking over $600,000 from the Big Pharma and healthcare industries.

Watch “Went Through Hell” here:

The Josh Turek for Iowa campaign has been blanketing screens across Iowa, communicating with voters in every corner of the state. The campaign started the general election running “USA,” a spot that features Josh speaking directly to Iowans about his lifelong commitment to putting country over party, followed by “Prove It,” which highlights the more than 700 times Josh voted with Iowa Republicans and “I-35,” which spotlights Josh’s commitment to working with anyone – including President Trump – to fix our broken immigration system.

Read the transcript for “Went Through Hell” here:

[JOHN TUREK]: Vietnam – I spent 22 months over there. They were using Agent Orange that caused my son, Josh Turek, to be born with spina bifida.

I went through the war, but Josh went through Hell.

He knows better than most what Iowans are going through now. Washington taking away healthcare coverage. People forced to travel hours to see a doctor.

Josh is a fighter, and he will take this personal. He really wants to improve people’s lives. He won’t ever stop working to make it right.

[JOSH TUREK]: I’m Josh Turek, and I approve this message.

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