Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek flipped Iowa’s open Senate seat, defeating Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and giving Democrats a long-sought statewide win in a state that has steadily trended Republican.
It was part of a massive beatdown Tuesday for Republicans, as Democrats won the Senate majority with wins in longtime GOP strongholds such as Texas, South Carolina and Kansas.
The Iowa victory marked a major moment for Democrats, who have spent years watching the state drift to the right but believed this year presented a rare opening. Rising prices, voter frustration with the economy and the impact of tariffs on Iowa’s agriculture-heavy economy gave Democrats hope that the political winds were finally shifting.
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Mr. Turek will succeed retiring two-term GOP Sen. Joni Ernst.
Ms. Hinson entered the race as a close ally of President Trump.
As the campaign unfolded, however, Ms. Hinson sought some distance from key administration policies, including the Iran war and tariffs that had become increasingly unpopular with some Iowa farmers and business owners.
Mr. Turek told voters that Iowa families were bearing the cost of Washington’s policies. He repeatedly argued that President Trump’s tariffs and the war with Iran hit Iowa harder than any other state, driving up prices, squeezing local farmers, and fueling economic uncertainty.
His message resonated with voters. The campaign also drew support from agricultural groups frustrated by trade disruptions and the challenges facing rural communities.
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