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5d ago

Scholten Withdraws From Iowa Senate Primary to Back Josh Turek

Scholten’s exit consolidates part of the Democratic field behind Paralympian Josh Turek ahead of a contest still rated likely Republican

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst flips pork chops at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Hannah Fingerhut)
FILE - Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, speak to reporters after a closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans, at the Capitol in Washington, Sept. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
JD Scholten, running for congress in Iowa's 4th Congressional District against Steve King, waves to supporters outside the Wing Ding Dinner on August 9, 2019 in Clear Lake, Iowa.
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Overview

  • Iowa state Rep. J.D. Scholten announced Monday at a Council Bluffs rally that he is suspending his 2026 Senate bid and endorsing fellow Rep. Josh Turek as the Democrat best positioned to unseat Sen. Joni Ernst.
  • The Intercept reported that Scholten faced mounting pressure from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to clear the primary for Turek, a claim Scholten initially denied before reversing course.
  • Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and state representative since 2023, inherits Scholten’s backing but remains opposed by Jackie Norris, Nathan Sage and state Sen. Zach Wahls.
  • Democrats are centering Turek’s personal reliance on Medicaid and Sen. Ernst’s controversial town-hall remark that “we all are going to die” to spotlight healthcare access as a campaign focal point.
  • Despite efforts to unite behind a single nominee, the Cook Political Report continues to rate Ernst’s seat as likely Republican, underscoring the uphill path for Iowa Democrats.