Democrat Josh Turek wants Iowa voters focused on one thing as they head to the polls: the rising cost of living.
In the closing days of the Senate race against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, Mr. Turek is pointing to higher gas prices, rising diesel costs and healthcare expenses in a pair of new ads.
“Gas and diesel prices have gone up more in Iowa than almost any other place in the country. That’s it,” Mr. Turek, a state representative, says in one spot.
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“We’re paying almost double what we did just a few months ago, and diesel is at an all-time high, hitting our farmers at the worst possible time.”
AAA figures show regular gasoline in Iowa has climbed from $2.84 a gallon to $4.17 since last year, while diesel prices rose from $3.52 to $6.15.
Like Democrats across the nation, Mr. Turek links the increase to the war with Iran. He also reminds voters that Ms. Hinson repeatedly opposed war powers resolutions designed to limit executive authority or force an end to U.S. military action against Iran.
Ms. Hinson, whom President Trump backs, also called for the conflict to end quickly. In a Sept. 21 post on X, she said the war should be brought to “a successful and immediate end” and urged lawmakers to suspend federal gas taxes.
Her closing argument focuses on Mr. Turek, whom she says does not deserve a job promotion because he has been a regular no-show at the state capitol. She also warned that Mr. Turek is soft on immigration and wrong on transgender issues. “He is too liberal for Iowa,” she said Sunday on “ABC This Week.”
Mr. Turek and Ms. Hinson are running to replace retiring Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican.
The Iran conflict scrambled political dynamics in Iowa, which Mr. Trump carried by over 13 points in the 2024 presidential election.
Republican Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks were among seven Republicans to break ranks on Sept. 15 to vote for a Democrat-led war powers resolution to end the war. Ms. Hinson opposed the effort.
She said Congress didn’t need another resolution on the House floor, saying the president and the military already have the tools needed to bring the war to an end.
In a separate ad, Mr. Turek turns to a more personal appeal, recounting his sister’s battle with cancer and a decision by her insurer to deny a scan that would have determined whether the disease had spread.
“If you wonder how broken the healthcare system is, she is living proof,” he says. “In the Senate, I’ll fight to ensure that doctors decide care, not insurance companies. And I’ll take on corrupt politicians that get in the way. For me, it’s personal.”
The race carries major stakes for control of the Senate; a Turek win would put Democrats a step closer to the four seats they need to net to flip the chamber.
Mr. Turek is seeking to become the first Democrat to win a Senate race in Iowa since 2008.
The RealClearPolitics polling average currently shows the candidates are running neck-and-neck just over a week out from Election Day. Early voting started in Iowa on Oct. 14.
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