A Democratic state lawmaker running for U.S. Senate in Iowa secured a high-profile endorsement from former President Barack Obama, who released a video of the two competing in a modified basketball game while making his case for the candidate. Josh Turek, who represents Iowa in the state legislature, is challenging Republican U.S. House representative Ashley Hinson, who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement for the same position.
Turek, a Paralympic wheelchair basketball athlete with four appearances and two gold medals to his name, emerged victorious in the Democratic primary, speaking to supporters in Des Moines that evening. The contest for this seat developed after Republican Senator Joni Ernst revealed she would step down rather than pursue another term in 2026. Hinson announced her candidacy following Ernst’s decision, quickly earning Trump’s support.
Two Presidents Back Opposing Candidates
The race now features competing endorsements from Trump and Obama, transforming the contest into a high-stakes proxy fight between two political heavyweights. Republicans hope maintaining control of the seat will demonstrate their dominance in Iowa and affirm Trump’s ability to shape election outcomes throughout the 2026 cycle. Democrats see a potential victory as a chance to reverse their declining fortunes in a state that has shifted rightward since Obama carried it twice during his presidential campaigns.
Obama won Iowa during both the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, a fact he referenced in the endorsement video while noting he knows “a little somethin’ about winning Iowa.” The former president highlighted Turek’s athletic achievements as evidence of his competitive drive and resilience. Obama said, “Now the ball’s in your court, Iowa. Let’s make sure that we send Josh Turek to the United States Senate.”
National Attention on a Swing State Battle
The contest has emerged as one of the most scrutinized Senate battles of the 2026 election cycle. Hinson campaigned in Dubuque, Iowa, the day prior to Turek’s primary victory celebration, and has centered her message around supporting Trump’s policy priorities. Her head start in organizing and fundraising, combined with presidential backing, has strengthened her standing with the Republican base.
Obama’s participation signals Democratic leadership believes the race remains winnable despite Iowa’s recent Republican trajectory. The state has moved substantially toward the GOP in the years following Obama’s 2012 victory, making any Democratic statewide campaign an uphill battle. Party strategists view the seat as part of a larger effort to reduce Republican advantages in the Senate, and the competitive nature of the matchup is anticipated to attract significant national funding and media coverage.
Criticism of Obama’s Political Influence
Conservative commentators responded critically to the endorsement announcement. OutKick founder Clay Travis and host Sean Hannity discussed what they described as Obama’s declining effectiveness, pointing to his support for Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris as proof his endorsement power has weakened. Travis challenged Obama’s characterization of himself as transitioning from a “player to coach” role within Democratic politics.
Despite such criticism, Obama maintains his position as one of the Democratic Party’s most recognizable voices, years after leaving office. His support for Turek came after the June 18 ceremony opening the facility dedicated to the former president and civil rights icon in Illinois, an occasion that underscored his ongoing visibility in party affairs and national political discourse.
High Stakes for November
The November general election will test whether Obama’s appeal in Iowa has endured or whether the state’s Republican shift has become permanent. For Turek, victory would mark a significant breakthrough for Democrats in hostile territory. For Hinson, success would confirm Republican control of the state and validate Trump’s endorsement approach as the midterm cycle progresses. Both campaigns now face months of intense competition with the backing of their party’s most influential figures.
