Democrats Are Pouring Into This Red-State Senate Race
Source: Huff Post
Aug 12, 2025, 06:00 AM EDT
A surprisingly robust primary field has emerged to challenge GOP Sen. Joni Ernst in bright-red Iowa, with state Rep. Josh Turek announcing a run on Tuesday to become the fifth major Democratic candidate in the race.
Turek, who represents Council Bluffs in far western Iowa in the state House, is a former Paralympian who won two gold medals in wheelchair basketball as part of Team USA. He announced his run with a two-minute video in which he casts himself as an underdog whos managed to win in Trump territory.
Turek joins four already-announced candidates: State Sen. Zach Wahls; Jackie Norris, the chair of the Des Moines School Board and a former chief of staff to then-first lady Michelle Obama; former professional baseball player and State Sen. J.D. Scholten and Nathan Sage, an Iraq War veteran who chairs the Chamber of Commerce in the tiny town of Knoxville.
The size of the field reflects Democrats optimism that the backlash to President Donald Trumps second term could be large enough to give them a fighting chance in a state he won by 13 percentage points in 2024. It also highlights the partys ongoing uncertainty about the best pathways to compete in red territory.
Read more: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-democratic-senate-field-in-this-red-state-is-getting-awfully-crowded_n_689aa74be4b0be3f5edc9b82

pfitz59
(11,801 posts)If only Grassley would depart
druidity33
(6,815 posts)the old fashioned way. I'd consider traveling to Iowa to spit on his grave.
Polybius
(20,770 posts)Chuck Grassley isn't up for re-election until 2028.
druidity33
(6,815 posts)if he's not around to fill it. Maybe you didn't get the drift of my earlier comment...
Polybius
(20,770 posts)Funny thing is, he's planning on running for re-election. He wants Strom Thurmond's record.
paleotn
(20,824 posts)Wasn't that long ago it was a swing state.
BumRushDaShow
(159,346 posts)(ETA - Sen. Tom Harkin is missed! )
paleotn
(20,824 posts)A travesty that pig nuts Ernst holds his old seat.