WATCH: Josh Turek Wins IA-SEN Debate, Makes Clear to Iowans that He is The Only Candidate Who Can Beat Hinson in November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 5, 2026

WATCH: Josh Turek Wins IA-SEN Debate, Makes Clear to Iowans that He is The Only Candidate Who Can Beat Hinson in November

Des Moines, IA – At tonight’s PBS Iowa U.S. Senate primary debate, Josh Turek made clear that he is the best candidate to represent Iowa families in the U.S. Senate.

Meanwhile, a flailing Zach Wahls, who is down 20 points in this primary, dodged questions about his past and misrepresented Josh’s record.

Missed the debate? See below for the three most important moments:

[WATCH] Josh: “It’s middle class families like mine that bear the brunt of Washington’s Corruption.”

Josh understands the economic pain many Iowans are feeling right now due to Donald Trump and Ashley Hinson’s policies, because he’s lived it. The only candidate in this race — Democrat or Republican — who is not a millionaire, Josh grew up in Council Bluffs, went to Goodwill for his clothes, and relied on the free summer lunch program. That’s why he’s laser-focused on lowering the cost of everything from groceries and gas to housing and healthcare, creating good-paying jobs, and more — all to make life more affordable for Iowans.

[WATCH] Josh: “Health care is a human right.”

Like too many Iowans, Josh has had to navigate a broken healthcare system that benefits Big Pharma and insurance companies at the expense of everyday Iowans. Born with spina bifida after his dad was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, Josh overcame 21 surgeries by the age of 12 to eventually represent the U.S. at four Paralympics. He knows the struggle for affordable health care in a deeply personal way, and he is fighting for a public option to ensure that every Iowan has access to care.

[WATCH] Josh: “Zach hopes he can beat Ashley Hinson. I know I can.”

A two time gold-medalist from Council Bluffs, Josh represents the reddest seat won by a Democrat in 2024. He won his first election by six votes, crawling up his neighbors’ stairs and winning over Republicans and Independents. Unlike his opponent, Josh has run against a Republican — and won.

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