Democrats secure Senate majority as Josh Turek wins Iowa 2026 election, CBS projects, flipping seat
Turek projected to win Iowa
CBS News projects that Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek defeated GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson in the Iowa Senate race. The result marks a major gain for Democrats as they sought control of the upper chamber.
The race was more competitive than expected, even as Iowa had shifted right in recent years. Polls before election day showed Turek and Hinson in a tight contest, prompting both sides to spend heavily in the state.
Issues weighed on voters
The projected outcome came amid competitive Senate contests emerging in reliably Republican states, including Iowa. Those races put the GOP’s hold on the upper chamber in question.
Democrats secure Senate majority
Turek’s projected win is Democrats’ fifth seat flip, giving the party enough seats to secure a majority in the Senate. The map had initially appeared favorable to Republicans, but steep headwinds emerged for the party as competitive races developed in recent months.
Key points
- CBS News projects Democrat Josh Turek defeated Republican Ashley Hinson in Iowa’s Senate race.
- The contest was tighter than expected, with pre-election polls showing the candidates close.
- Trade policies, the war in Iran and high fuel prices weighed on Iowans.
- The projected victory gives Democrats a fifth flip and enough seats for a Senate majority.