Full Breakdown
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Endorses Iowa Rep. Josh Turek in U.S. Senate Democratic Primary
5/13/2026, 11:23:46 PM
Endorsement Announcement
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has publicly endorsed Iowa State Representative Josh Turek for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 U.S. Senate race. The endorsement was reported by KCCI as a high-profile development and was announced ahead of a scheduled debate between the two Democratic candidates.
Background: Open Iowa Senate Seat
The Senate seat in Iowa is open after incumbent Senator Joni Ernst announced she will not seek a third term. The vacancy has prompted a contested Democratic primary, with multiple candidates seeking the party’s nomination to challenge for the seat. Among those candidates are state Representative Josh Turek and fellow Democrat Zach Wahls. The open seat has attracted interest from multiple Democratic candidates, as evidenced by the candidacies of Turek and Wahls.
Key Figures in the Primary
- Josh Turek – Iowa State Representative and Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.
- Pete Buttigieg – Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation who won the Iowa Democratic caucuses in 2020 and later served in President Joe Biden’s administration.
- Zach Wahls – Fellow Democratic contender who will face Turek in an upcoming debate.
- Joni Ernst – Outgoing senator who opted against a third-term bid.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- Joni Ernst announces she will not run for re-election, creating an open Senate seat.
- Pete Buttigieg announces his endorsement of Josh Turek.
- Thursday (date unspecified) – KCCI will host a debate between Josh Turek and Zach Wahls.
Official Endorsement Details
The endorsement was communicated by Buttigieg as a direct expression of support for Turek’s candidacy. Buttigieg’s involvement is notable because he previously secured the Iowa Democratic caucuses in 2020 before joining the Biden administration as Transportation Secretary. The endorsement aligns Buttigieg’s national profile with Turek’s state-level campaign.
Potential Significance of the Endorsement
The endorsement adds a nationally recognized political figure to Turek’s campaign roster. Buttigieg’s prior success in Iowa’s caucus system and his role in the federal government are highlighted in the endorsement. The endorsement highlights the involvement of a national political figure in the Iowa Senate race.
Why It Matters
The endorsement is characterized as high-profile, linking a national political figure with a state legislator’s Senate bid. Buttigieg’s prior victory in the Iowa Democratic caucuses and his tenure as Transportation Secretary provide him with a recognizable platform in Iowa. By publicly supporting Turek, Buttigieg signals endorsement from the broader Democratic establishment.
Upcoming Democratic Primary Debate
KCCI will host a debate on Thursday featuring Josh Turek and Zach Wahls. The debate will provide a platform for the candidates to articulate policy positions and respond to voter concerns ahead of the primary election.
