Democrat Josh Turek has launched his final advertising campaign in the competitive Iowa Senate race, targeting high fuel prices and rising cancer rates in the state as he aims to unseat Republican Representative Ashley Hinson. The two advertisements highlight Turek’s personal connection to these issues, presenting Hinson as part of a group of “corrupt politicians” who complicate life for Iowans.
One of the ads features Turek, a state legislator and former Paralympian, at a gas station. He emphasizes the skyrocketing prices of gas and diesel in Iowa, stating, “Unlike Ashley, I’m not a millionaire. I’ll work to lower prices because it matters to me too.”
In a second advertisement, Turek introduces his sister, Ulette, who discusses her experience with insurance companies during her battle with breast cancer. This ad underscores the increasing cancer rates in Iowa, which have become a significant concern during the election cycle. Turek asserts, “In the Senate, I’ll fight to ensure that doctors decide care — not insurance companies. And I’ll take on corrupt politicians that get in the way,” as visuals of Hinson appear in the background.
Turek is competing against Hinson to replace retiring GOP Senator Joni Ernst. The ads do not mention former President Donald Trump, who won Iowa by a margin of 13 points in the 2024 election. Trump recently campaigned in Iowa to support Hinson, who has occasionally diverged from Trump’s positions, including advocating for an end to the Iran war as gas prices remain elevated.
As the campaign progresses, Turek is positioning himself as a candidate closely attuned to the pressing issues affecting everyday Iowans. The outcome of this race may hinge on how effectively each candidate addresses the concerns of their constituents leading up to the election.
