Josh Turek is an Iowa state representative, former professional wheelchair-basketball player and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. He competed for the United States in four Paralympic Games and won two gold medals. He graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in 2002 and later earned an MBA. His work has included youth adaptive-sports programs and mobility equipment.
We have documented 2 statements by Josh Turek, in 2 cases. Each statement below gives the quotation, its original source and a link to the full case.
Case updates
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Role at the time: Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, speaking to reporters after a Fort Dodge campaign event
Defended or excused
Statement summary
Turek says angering people on both sides of the aisle probably means he is in the right place.
“Honestly, I think if you got some folks angry with you on both sides of the aisle, you're probably in the right place”
Open source (opens in a new tab)Turek under fire from both sides for ad opposing transgender women playing in women's sportsOctober 29, 12:19 p.m. CDT entry: Turek under fire from both sides
Why we used this label
Relative to the ad's policy positions under scrutiny, Turek answers the bipartisan criticism by saying that angering people on both sides suggests he is in the right place.
Role at the time: Iowa State Representative; Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, Iowa
Condemned
Statement summary
Responding to Ashley Hinson's post calling for a 'successful and immediate end' to the Iran war, Turek criticized her seven votes against war powers resolutions that would have ended U.S. military action, framing her statement as election-year posturing.
“It's easy to send a tweet but when you had the chance to vote to end this war, you chose not to.”
Treats ending the war as the correct course and condemns his opponent for voting to continue it, implying his own support for ending U.S. military action.
Josh Turek's Senate ad says he opposes 'males competing in female sports' and 'taxpayers paying for sex changes.' One Iowa Action condemns the ad and what it calls a policy shift. Hinson says Turek is misrepresenting his record; Turek defends his position.
An issue tracker recording where members of Congress and 2026 midterm candidates stand on the unauthorized Iran war, based on their votes on war-powers resolutions, campaign statements, and public remarks.
