Barack Obama Endorses Josh Turek for Iowa Senate Seat

Former President Barack Obama endorsed Democratic nominee Josh Turek for a U.S. Senate seat in Iowa on July 29, 2026. The endorsement was delivered through a campaign video titled "Who's Got Next," filmed at a gymnasium in Chicago. In the video, Obama and Turek, a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, played a game of basketball called "I-O-W-A," in which Turek defeated the former president.

Turek, an Iowa state representative, is attempting to flip a Republican-held seat vacated by retiring Senator Joni Ernst. He faces Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, who has the endorsement of President Donald Trump. While a New York Times poll showed Hinson with a narrow two-point lead, Turek has secured endorsements from Obama, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and former Senator Tom Harkin.

To support the candidacy, the Senate Majority PAC reserved $30 million for a fall advertising campaign focused on Hinson's voting record. Democratic strategists believe Turek may gain traction due to voter backlash over President Trump's tariffs and economic instability resulting from the Iran war, both of which have increased energy and agricultural costs in Iowa.