Statewide Iowa (RI) — Iowa’s U.S. Senate race is drawing national attention as a seat Republicans must defend with Joni Ernst not seeking re-election — and Democrats hope to win the seat and gain majority control of the U.S. Senate.
Iowa Democrats are choosing between two candidates who currently serve in the Iowa Legislature.
Josh Turek of Council Bluffs says he’s hearing from voters across the political spectrum who are worried about the future. He’s joined campaign volunteers going door-to-door in large cities and small communities to talk with potential voters.
Turek describes the race as a once-in-a-generation chance for Democrats to win the seat held for 30 years by Democrat Tom Harkin, who has endorsed Turek.
Zach Wahls of Coralville, who has been endorsed by 27 labor unions, says voters are looking for a new direction in Iowa, in the nation, and in the Democratic Party. Wahls says he’s the only candidate — Democrat or Republican — who will not be beholden to political insiders.
Congresswoman Ashley Hinson is the frontrunner in the Republican primary and got President Trump’s endorsement when she launched her campaign. She has been holding rallies around the state, including one this weekend in her hometown of West Des Moines.
Jim Carlin, a former state legislator from Sergeant Bluff, is running against Hinson in the GOP primary. He challenged Chuck Grassley in 2022, and Carlin launched his latest bid for the U.S. Senate before Joni Ernst announced she wouldn’t run for reelection.
Carlin says he supports the kind of America First agenda President Trump is pursuing.
KIWA Staff Photo
