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Obama Endorses Paralympian Josh Turek in Iowa Senate Bid

7/29/2026

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Obama Endorses Turek

Former President Barack Obama endorsed Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek in a basketball video filmed in Des Moines on July 29, 2026.
Turek leads recent Senate fundraising even though Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson holds about three times more cash on hand.
Council Bluffs state representative Josh Turek is a four-time Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medalist.
Obama recalled his 2008 and 2012 Iowa victories and said he was “whooped”.

Right

Obama Backs Turek

Former President Barack Obama endorsed Iowa Senate candidate Josh Turek in a basketball video filmed in Des Moines on July 29 2026.
The article notes the Iran war and rising farm input prices could boost Turek’s prospects despite his fundraising shortfall.
Turek is a four-time Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold-medalist.
U.S. President Donald Trump-backed Ashley Hinson holds $6.7 million cash, far above Turek’s $2.3 million.

History

Historical Context

On Jan 3 2008, Barack Obama’s surprise win in the Iowa Democratic caucus—securing 37.6% of the vote and sparking a $32 million fundraising surge—catapulted him to national prominence. The same “first-in-the-nation” momentum is echoed in his July 29 2026 basketball endorsement of Paralympian Josh Turek, aimed at narrowing the cash gap against Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson.

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Obama Endorses Turek

Former President Barack Obama endorsed Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek in a basketball video filmed in Des Moines on July 29, 2026.
Turek leads recent Senate fundraising even though Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson holds about three times more cash on hand.
Council Bluffs state representative Josh Turek is a four-time Paralympic wheelchair basketball gold medalist.
Obama recalled his 2008 and 2012 Iowa victories and said he was “whooped”.

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