Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek is utilizing his personal narrative, including his experiences with spina bifida and as a Paralympic gold medalist, to shape his campaign. His wife, Jarolin Turek, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, has also played a significant role in his political identity, especially as immigration emerges as a pivotal issue ahead of the November elections.
As the Democratic nominee for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat, Turek is set to compete against Republican Ashley Hinson and Libertarian Thomas Laehn in the general election on November 3, according to the Federal Election Commission and Iowa’s official candidate list.
Who Is Jarolin Turek?
Jarolin Turek is a U.S. citizen and health care professional whose background as an immigrant is highlighted in her husband’s Senate campaign. The couple resides in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where Turek was born and raised. Their relationship traces back to Turek’s 15 years as a professional wheelchair basketball player in Europe.
Turek’s Team USA profile notes his participation in four Paralympic Games, where he won gold medals in 2016 and 2020 and a bronze in 2012. The couple describes their home as culturally diverse, with a bilingual and multicultural environment, according to a biography published by The Harkin Institute at Drake University.
Jarolin’s immigrant status has informed Turek’s political messaging during his campaign. He has emphasized the need for immigration laws while critiquing the federal government’s enforcement methods. Turek stated, “We can recognize we need immigration laws, especially for violent criminals,” while also arguing that current enforcement practices are excessive.
In his campaign, Turek has called for stronger border security, stating in an August advertisement that the immigration system is “broken.” He expressed willingness to collaborate with political opponents, including former President Trump, to secure the southern border and address issues such as drug trafficking into Iowa.
During a discussion on immigration enforcement in January, Turek referred to Jarolin as an “Afro-Latina immigrant,” sharing that the matter is “deeply personal” to him due to his family situation. Turek’s mother-in-law is in the U.S. on a visa and faces language barriers, which has fostered Turek’s advocacy against fear-driven government actions toward immigrant families.
The upcoming election presents a potential contrast in positions with his opponent, Ashley Hinson, who has also emphasized immigration and border security in Congress. Hinson proposed the Southern Border Transparency Act in 2023 to enhance federal oversight about individuals seeking entry at the southern border.
Recent polling indicates a competitive race, with Turek averaging 46.7 percent and Hinson at 45.8 percent, signaling a close contest as the election approaches. For Turek, Jarolin’s immigrant background personalizes the immigration debate, as he aims to balance support for border security with calls for humane enforcement practices.
Turek’s campaign has been contacted for further comment.
