Race details
Iowa U.S. Senate Democratic Primary
Candidates
Odds last updated May 2nd, 10:45 PM
Josh Turek (D)
~65% chance to win
State representative and Paralympic gold medalist; campaigns on affordability, rural outreach, and representation for voters with disabilities.
Vote totals pending
Zach Wahls (D)
~34% chance to win
State senator and former Iowa Senate Democratic leader; labor-aligned progressive emphasizing climate, education, and LGBTQ equality.
Vote totals pending
Why this race matters
Open seat with Republican Senator Joni Ernst not seeking re-election. Iowa Democrats are choosing between two sitting legislators with different theories of how to compete in a red-trending state: a Paralympic veteran–lawmaker pitching moderation and disability advocacy, versus a progressive former Senate minority leader with national name recognition. The winner advances against a Republican field that national Republicans have prioritized defending.