Iowa voters headed to the polls on Tuesday for primary elections, setting the stage for intense campaigning ahead of the November midterms. The state could play a pivotal role in determining the balance of power in Congress.
Although Iowa has been a Republican stronghold for the past decade, Democrats see opportunities in three of its four House races, the Senate election, and the contest to replace retiring Governor Kim Reynolds.
US Senate Primary Results
In the race to replace retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst, two Democrats squared off in a primary that became a proxy for the party's direction after the 2024 election. According to the Associated Press, state Representative Josh Turek emerged victorious.
Turek benefited from millions of dollars in outside spending and secured endorsements from top Democrats. He defeated state Senator Zach Wahls, who positioned himself as an outsider willing to challenge party elites, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The primary turned contentious, with Wahls accusing Turek of being the establishment's favorite, pointing to over $5 million in spending by VoteVets, a PAC that has received funds from Schumer's campaign. Turek countered that he was more electable, having won in a conservative-leaning western Iowa district, while Wahls represents a liberal area in eastern Iowa.
Turek will now face Republican Representative Ashley Hinson, who has Donald Trump's endorsement, in the general election.
This story will be updated as more races are called.
