Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek is projected to win Iowa’s competitive midterm election on Tuesday against Republican opponent Ashley Hinson, according to The Associated Press.
Democrats have fought to turn Iowa, once considered a swing state, blue after a majority of Iowans repeatedly voted for President Donald Trump and Republicans in recent election cycles.
Turek’s victory means Democrats have succeeded in regaining the Senate majority amid a sweeping rejection of President Donald Trump and Republicans at the polls.
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst is set to retire in January 2027 after she completes her second term. In January 2026, Ernst endorsed Hinson to fill her seat.
Turek has served as a state representative since January 2025 and is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist in wheelchair basketball for Team USA.
Hinson, a former broadcast journalist, was a state representative and is currently representing Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District in the House.