Iowa Senate Race: Zach Wahls Leads Josh Turek in Democratic Primary

Democratic Iowa State Senator Zach Wahls is currently leading State Representative Josh Turek by 18 percentage points in the Democratic primary for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat, according to an internal poll conducted by GQR. The poll indicates Wahls with 42% support compared to Turek's 24%, while 33% of voters remain undecided. The margin of error for this poll is plus or minus 3.98 percentage points. This primary is significant as it follows Republican Senator Joni Ernst's decision not to seek reelection, creating a rare opportunity for Democrats in a state where incumbents typically dominate.

Newsweek

Zach Wahls, a sixth-generation Iowan and current state senator, has higher name recognition than Turek, with 67% of respondents familiar with him compared to 53% for Turek. Wahls enjoys a favorable rating of 45%, while Turek's stands at 31%. Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, serves in the Iowa House and has positioned himself as a candidate focused on economic fairness and accountability.

Newsweek

Wahls has garnered endorsements from notable figures such as Roger Kail, president of UFCW Local 1846, who praised Wahls for his commitment to raising wages and protecting worker benefits. Former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander also endorsed Wahls, highlighting his authenticity and discipline. Conversely, Turek received support from Representative Ro Khanna, who emphasized Turek's advocacy for economic fairness and healthcare affordability.

Newsweek

In a statement to Newsweek, Wahls emphasized his campaign's focus on lowering costs for working families and challenging corruption, asserting that Iowans are eager to reject establishment politics. Turek criticized his opponent's campaign tactics, claiming that using taxpayer-funded resources for political endorsements constitutes corruption.

Newsweek

The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 2, 2024, and both candidates are actively campaigning to solidify their positions ahead of the election. Polling data suggests that while Wahls currently holds a significant lead, the dynamics of the race may shift as the primary date approaches.

Newsweek

A National Republican Senate Committee poll also indicated Wahls leading Turek, but with a narrower margin of 30% to 23%. Additionally, a Change Research poll showed a hypothetical matchup between Wahls and Republican Representative Ashley Hinson, where Hinson leads Wahls 48% to 41%. These discrepancies highlight the fluid nature of voter sentiment leading up to the primary.

Newsweek

• “What People Are Saying Zach Wahls told Newsweek in an email Wednesday: “Our campaign is about lowering costs for working families, taking on corruption no matter who it upsets, and delivering real results for Iowans – which is how we’re building the coalition to win in the primary and the general election against Ashley Hinson.” — Zach Wahls, Iowa State Senator

Newsweek

• “Flying on a private plane paid for by tax dollars to make a political endorsement isn’t official business. It’s corruption. Hinson is complicit in the misuse of your taxpayer dollars — that’s disqualifying.” — Josh Turek, Iowa State Representative

Newsweek